SHAH ALAM, June 7 — Malaysians are encouraged to adopt more prudent and practical spending habits rather than making drastic lifestyle changes to navigate the current global economic uncertainty.
Malaysiakini reported that the Prime Minister’s Office's senior economic adviser Nurhisham Hussein said such an approach is important in helping households strengthen their financial resilience as the world faces various challenges, including ongoing conflicts in West Asia.
The government is not asking people to stop carrying out their daily activities, such as driving or cancelling holidays. Instead, it is encouraging the more responsible and efficient use of resources.
“The government is not calling for a drastic change in lifestyle, but rather encouraging more practical adjustments. It is not asking Malaysians to stop driving, cancel holiday plans, or completely avoid plastic products.
“Instead, the message is that we should be more prudent and responsible in the way we use and maximise resources. The country is in its strongest position when the government, businesses, and the public respond calmly, responsibly, and collectively.
“The objective is not a drastic lifestyle transformation, but smarter and more responsible consumption. Small adjustments made collectively by millions of households can strengthen Malaysia’s resilience in the face of global uncertainty,” he said.
Nurhisham added that disruptions to global supply chains could affect the prices of petroleum-based products and imported goods over time. However, he emphasised that there is no need for panic buying or excessive stockpiling.
Rather, consumers are advised to purchase according to their actual needs and avoid wasteful spending that could place additional strain on household finances.
Nurhisham also urged the public to reduce waste of food, electricity, and water while adopting more energy-efficient practices.
“Use energy more efficiently, such as by setting air-conditioning temperatures at 24°C or higher, switching off unused appliances, and avoiding unnecessary energy consumption,” he said.
The public is also reminded to obtain information from official and credible sources rather than believing claims or speculation circulating online.
“The government continues to closely monitor global developments and has activated various stabilisation and preparedness measures to help manage external pressures involving energy markets, shipping routes, and global supply chains.
“Together with coordinated action by businesses and the public, we are confident that the country will emerge stronger than before,” Nurhisham said.
