Anwar Wraps Up ASEAN Summit, Pushes For Food Security, Energy Resilience
By Niam Seet Wei & Linda Khoo
CEBU (Philippines), May 9 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has concluded two eventful days at the ASEAN Summit here, with his participation reflecting Malaysia’s continued commitment to advancing coordinated regional responses to the ongoing West Asia crisis.
The 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings, which ended on Friday, was dominated by discussions on regional energy resilience, food security and the safety of ASEAN nationals.
Leaders from the 11 member states discussed joint efforts to address supply shortages and ease rising cost pressures, including on food, fertiliser and transportation.
During the plenary session of the summit on Friday, Anwar has proposed that the relevant ASEAN ministers urgently explore the establishment of a regional standby mechanism for food security during crises to enable faster coordination and emergency response efforts.
“If disruptions persist, ASEAN faces the risk of lower yields and sustained food inflation well into next year.
“Food security must therefore be treated as a regional strategic priority,” he said.
He added that there is a need to strengthen the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR) mechanism and work with its partners to expand cooperation beyond rice reserves to include fertiliser security.
On regional energy resilience, such as the implementation of the ASEAN Framework on Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), Anwar said Malaysia fully supports accelerating the initiative, as it provides an essential layer of protection as domestic oil and gas production declines across the region.
The Prime Minister emphasised that the ASEAN Power Grid remains central to the bloc’s energy transition and long-term security.
Without overlooking the safety of ASEAN nationals amid the West Asia crisis, Anwar urged member states to strengthen information-sharing, consular cooperation and emergency response mechanisms.
During the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit, Anwar ensured that Malaysia is committed to strengthening regional cooperation through the initiative to narrow development gaps and expand trade, investment and food security for the wellbeing of the people.
In his bilateral meetings, Anwar and his regional counterparts pledged to further strengthen strategic cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including expanding collaboration in trade and investment, as well as enhancing people-to-people connectivity.
Regional security, border development, as well as efforts to combat cross-border crime and job scam activities were also among the key issues discussed by the leaders.
During his packed schedule here, Anwar attended the opening ceremony of the 48th ASEAN Summit and the BIMP-EAGA Summit, and held five bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Cambodia, Laos, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Anwar was accompanied by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hassan, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Indera Mohd Shahar Abdullah.
The Philippines took over the ASEAN chairmanship from Malaysia on Jan 1, 2026, under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together”, guided by three pillars — Peace and Security, Prosperity Corridors, and People Empowerment.
-- BERNAMA
