PMO economist pushes mindful consumption as conflict hits 100-day mark

 

An economic adviser to the Prime Minister’s Office has recommended that the rakyat practise more responsible consumer habits as the West Asia conflict, which has led to concerns of a global economic crisis, reaches its 100-day mark today.

Clarifying that the government is not pushing for “drastic” lifestyle changes, Nurhisham Hussein, the senior director of economy and finance at the Prime Minister’s Office, instead advocated for practical adjustments.

“The government is not asking Malaysians to stop driving, cancel holiday plans, or completely avoid plastic products.

“Rather, the message is about being more mindful and responsible in how we consume and use resources,” Nurhisham told Malaysiakini when asked for Putrajaya’s advice on what people should be doing to prepare for the looming crisis.

Highlighting that Malaysia has weathered many global challenges before, he added that the nation is strongest when the government, businesses and rakyat respond calmly, responsibly, and together.

“The goal is not drastic lifestyle change, but smarter and more responsible consumption, where small adjustments across millions of households can collectively strengthen Malaysia’s resilience during uncertain global conditions,” he explained.

Last month, Nurhisham expressed concern that the public is not responding seriously enough to an impending economic crisis due to the West Asia conflict, juxtaposing the current situation with how Malaysia was just before the Covid-19 pandemic struck.

Among others, he warned that local oil supply may not return to normal until late this year or even 2027, even if the war were to end soon.

He also cautioned that employment rates could be affected if manufacturers are forced to stop production once they run out of raw material supplies.

However, various experts told Malaysiakini that the public’s response is due in part to how the government has crafted its messaging about the crisis, with some highlighting “mixed signals” about the situation.

No need for panic buying

In his response to Malaysiakini’s queries, Nurhisham emphasised that while certain global supply disruptions may affect the cost of petroleum-based materials and imported goods over time, there is no need for extreme lifestyle alterations or panic buying.

Households, he said, can continue daily routines while making pragmatic adjustments to strengthen financial resilience and reduce exposure to sudden price or supply disruptions.

Among the “practical habits” Nurhisham recommended are buying based on actual needs while avoiding unnecessary overbuying or stockpiling, and reducing wastage - especially food, electricity, and water - to help lower household expenses and reduce pressure on national resources.

Besides planning household spending more carefully by prioritising essential needs when appropriate, he also suggested using energy more efficiently, such as by setting air conditioners at 24°C or above, switching off unused appliances, and avoiding unnecessary energy consumption.

Advocating for consumers to support local products and businesses to strengthen domestic supply chains and the broader economy, he further urged the public to refer to official and verified information sources instead of relying on speculative claims online.

“The government continues to monitor global developments closely, and has already activated multiple stabilisation and preparedness measures to help manage external pressures involving energy markets, shipping routes and global supply chains.

“Together with the coordinated action of businesses and the rakyat, we are confident the country will emerge stronger than ever,” Nurhisham added. - Mkini