At a press conference today, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said government-linked companies and government-linked investment companies have also been ordered not to hold Aidilfitri open houses.

Anwar said this was merely a cautious measure to spend prudently in view of the potential impact of the conflict.

“Some may ask, if the situation is under control and the supply of necessities like oil and gas are still sufficient, what’s the necessity? I say this is a logical and prudent step.

“Ministers and all members of the administration and government departments have been told to limit their foreign visits. Trips that have already been planned and are compulsory are the exception,” he said.

Anwar, who is also the finance minister, also said he has ordered deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof to chair a special committee to oversee enforcement on misappropriation of subsidised RON95 and diesel.

He said the surge in oil prices would undoubtedly make smuggling of these subsidised goods even more attractive to smugglers.

“The finance minister II (Amir Hamzah Azizan) will chair a separate special committee to study the impact of the conflict on the economy. The committee will meet daily and will include the economy minister (Akmal Nasir) and other relevant ministries,” he said.

He said a special Cabinet meeting would be held on March 13 to study the country’s fiscal position and current developments in the region.