Malaysian Employers Federation urges pragmatic measures as fuel rationalisation takes effect

KUCHING (March 27): The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has called on businesses to adopt practical and immediate measures to reduce fuel usage without compromising productivity or operational continuity, following the government’s fuel rationalisation measures.

Its president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said companies could implement work-from-home arrangements for non-critical roles, encourage carpooling and promote greater use of public transport.

“These measures can significantly reduce daily fuel consumption while maintaining business continuity,” he said in a statement.

He also urged employers to reassess operations, particularly in logistics and business travel, by optimising route planning, improving load efficiency and minimising unnecessary trips.

The use of virtual meeting platforms should also be increased to reduce physical travel, he added.

Looking ahead, Syed Hussain encouraged businesses to accelerate the transition to sustainable practices and alternative energy, including investing in solar solutions and gradually adopting electric vehicles where feasible.

He also proposed forming internal task forces to identify fuel-saving strategies across operations.

Beyond operational changes, he stressed the need for a shift in mindset, urging employers to educate employees on responsible energy use as a shared organisational value.

While supporting the government’s policy direction, he emphasised that implementation must be pragmatic, phased and sensitive to sectoral realities.

“A one-size-fits-all approach is not practical. Different industries face varying constraints, and businesses must have the flexibility to adopt measures suited to their needs,” he said.

He noted that rising operational costs, particularly in logistics, transport and manufacturing, remain a key concern, with fuel forming a significant component of business expenditure.

Abrupt policy shifts, he warned, could lead to increased production costs, supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures.

As such, he called for targeted support measures, including tax incentives and grants to help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) invest in green technologies.

“Phased implementation timelines, along with clear, consistent and transparent policy communication, are crucial to enhance planning certainty,” he said.

Syed Hussain added that fuel rationalisation should be approached as a shared national responsibility.

“It requires a whole-of-nation approach, where policymakers provide clear direction and support, businesses drive efficiency and innovation, and the rakyat embrace more responsible consumption habits,” he said.

He added that MEF remains committed to working closely with the government to ensure fuel rationalisation is implemented in a manner that balances economic sustainability, business continuity and national resilience.