Philippines, Malaysia Can Collaborate To Boost Regional Energy Stability - Envoy

KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 (Bernama) -- The Philippines and Malaysia can collaborate on energy stability and security and work towards a stronger and future-ready regional energy system, especially through ASEAN frameworks, said Philippines Ambassador to Malaysia Maria Angela A. Ponce.

She said energy security is not just a national or bilateral concern, but a shared regional and global priority.

“So by working together, not just bilaterally, more importantly within the ASEAN frameworks, Malaysia and the Philippines can contribute meaningfully to each other's more resilient and future-ready energy system for both our countries and for the region,” she said on Bernama TV’s Bernama World programme on Monday.

According to Ponce, from the Philippines’ perspective, strengthening regional energy stability between the Philippines and Malaysia rests on three key areas, namely supply diversification, infrastructure connectivity, and closer public policy coordination.

Both countries can explore opportunities to diversify energy sources and enhance supply resilience, she said.

The ambassador said Malaysia as a major exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and refined petroleum products is well positioned to complement the Philippines’ energy requirements.

Ponce said both countries can also deepen collaboration in clean and renewable energy, including facilitating investments in solar, wind, and emerging technologies, as well as sharing expertise in energy transition strategies.

By expanding the role of renewables in both countries’ respective energy mixes, the Philippines and Malaysia can reduce exposure to external shocks and build a more sustainable and secure energy future.

Asked on the current situation in the Philippines, Ponce said the country as a net importer of petroleum products remains highly dependent on external sources of fuel supply and vulnerable to disruptions in global oil production and transportation.

This includes severe disruptions in supply chains arising from the ongoing volatile situation in West Asia, she added.

On March 24, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr declared a state of national energy emergency in response to the West Asia conflict and what he called an "imminent danger" posed to the country's energy supply.

The declaration, which will remain in effect for one year, authorises the government to procure required fuel and petroleum products to ensure timely and sufficient supply and, if necessary, pay part of the contract amount in advance.

Elaborating on the matter, the ambassador said the declaration is geared towards ensuring stable domestic energy supply, uninterrupted delivery of essential services, continuity of economic activity, the welfare of the Philippines’ citizens, and mitigating the impact of the situation in West Asia.

The framework monitors and ensures the continued and orderly movement, supply, production, and availability of essential goods, including fuel, food, medicine, and agricultural products.

She said it ensures the continued operation of public transportation, utilities, healthcare facilities, and other public services, as well as a whole-of-government approach to safeguarding economic stability.

The Philippines’ Department of Social Welfare and Development is also expediting the release of social welfare and livelihood assistance to the most affected sectors such as the transportation, agricultural workers, and repatriated Overseas Filipino workers.

On the supply side, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Maria Theresa P. Lazaro has already instructed all Foreign Service posts to work with host countries concerning the country’s petroleum reserves and the possibility of obtaining petroleum supply for the Philippines, she said.

The Philippines, the current chair of ASEAN, became the first country to declare an energy emergency following a joint large-scale attack by the United States and Israel on Iran, which began on Feb 28.

On March 27, the Philippines announced shifting the preparatory meetings for its 2026 ASEAN Chairmanship to virtual formats, citing developments in West Asia and their impact on regional priorities, particularly energy security.

-- BERNAMA