Malaysia Enforces WFH Starting April 15, Anticipating the Impact of the Energy Crisis

The Malaysian government implemented WFH following the Middle East conflict that was balanced on the rise in fuel prices. (Photo: The Star / Asia News Network - The Straits Times)

JAKARTA - The Malaysian government will impose a work from home policy or work from home (WFH) for the public sector, statutory bodies or government agencies, and government-related companies starting April 15. Citing The Straits Times, Thursday, April 2, this step was taken early to mitigate the impact of the global energy crisis which is expected to worsen.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said detailed guidelines for implementing WFH would be announced in the near future. According to Anwar, the policy is part of the government's efforts to maintain energy resilience and protect the public from sudden price spikes.

Anwar said the government chose to act first through the People's Support Initiative rather than waiting for the impact of the escalating conflict in the Middle East to hit households and businesses. He also reminded that the global situation is likely to get worse before it gets better and the recovery period will last a long time.

A number of supporting policies have been implemented. Among them are a monthly quota of 200 liters in the Budi Madani 95 scheme and the full implementation of subsidized solar mechanisms in Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan. According to Anwar, this step is aimed at holding back the impact of rising world oil prices while ensuring that subsidies are more targeted.

The Malaysian government is currently, said Anwar as written by The Straits Times, spending around 4 billion ringgit per month to absorb the spike in oil prices and protect consumers. He admitted that the figure was large, while the government's fiscal capacity remained limited.

In addition, the government has also begun diversifying energy sources so that fuel and electricity supplies remain secure even though global supply chains are disrupted. Anwar said Petronas had ensured the adequacy of oil and gas supplies at least until May. This guarantee is an important buffer when Malaysia faces energy pressures.

Anwar emphasized that the current condition can no longer be treated as usual. He asked all sectors to save energy and avoid waste. The Malaysian government also decided that Eid al-Fitr 2026 would be celebrated more simply, accompanied by cuts in state spending and the reduction of large-scale events.