Perak Sets Up Special Committees to Address Impact of West Asia Crisis
IPOH: The Perak state government has established two special committees to manage the economic and social impact of the ongoing West Asia conflict, which has contributed to global energy instability and rising living costs.
Menteri Besar Saarani Mohamad said the committees — the Crisis Impact Mitigation Committee and the Crisis Monitoring Committee — will be responsible for formulating and overseeing response strategies at the state level.
He noted that the detailed roles and functions of both committees will be finalised during the State Executive Council meeting to ensure coordinated implementation.
The mitigation plan will be rolled out in phases, with the initial stage focusing on the most immediate concerns affecting the public.
Priority on Essential Needs
Saarani emphasised that the first phase will concentrate on safeguarding access to food and basic necessities, particularly for vulnerable groups facing rising cost pressures.
He acknowledged that the global energy crisis has had a direct impact on household expenses, making it crucial for the state to ensure stable supply chains and affordability.
The aim is to prevent disruptions that could affect the daily lives of residents, especially those in lower-income groups.
Support for Key Economic Sectors
In subsequent phases, the state government plans to extend its mitigation measures to key sectors such as transportation, agriculture and fisheries.
Saarani highlighted the importance of supporting farmers and small business owners, who are among those most affected by rising operational costs.
Strengthening economic resilience at the state level remains a priority, as Perak seeks to navigate ongoing global uncertainties.
Realigning State Expenditure
To fund these initiatives, the state will undertake a reassessment of its 2026 budget, prioritising programmes that directly benefit the public.
Non-essential allocations will be reviewed to ensure that financial resources are channelled towards critical intervention measures.
This approach is intended to maximise the effectiveness of government spending during a challenging economic period.
Possible Additional Budget Measures
Saarani said the state is also prepared to consider an additional budget if necessary to reinforce mitigation efforts.
Such measures would aim to protect public welfare, sustain affected sectors and maintain economic stability.
He stressed that the government remains committed to taking practical steps within its capacity to minimise the impact of rising costs, with particular attention given to those most in need.
-wilayah.com.my
