Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah said Southeast Asia faces food and energy insecurity, urging swift Middle East conflict resolution
2-MIN READ2-MIN ListenThe StarPublished: 1:15pm, 21 Apr 2026The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has affected every Asean nation, with a crisis looming, according to Malaysia’s Sultan Nazrin Shah.The Perak ruler said the ongoing conflict in the Middle East would directly affect the economies of countries in the region.
“The surging prices of energy, fertilisers and transport are driving up food prices, increasing production and distribution costs, and fuelling inflation. The worst affected are countries with low energy reserves,” he said in his keynote address before launching the Putrajaya Forum held during the Defence Services Asia and National Security Asia 2026 exhibitions on Tuesday.
“An economic crisis is looming. Livelihoods will continue to be affected for months even if the strait is reopened in the near term,” he said.
“It is therefore imperative that negotiations to end the West Asian (Middle East) conflict are concluded swiftly and successfully.”
He also reflected on the pressing environmental issue, urging prompt action.
“Environmental security is not a luxury agenda to be deferred until wealthier times. It is the foundation on which every other aspect of planetary and human security rests,” he said.
