18 October 2007

 Malaysians should use less fuel and brace themselves for any increase in fuel prices in view of rising world oil prices. 

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shafie Apdal said the Government might not be able to continue giving subsidies in view of the high international oil price and other factors.

Shafie, however, said the Government would keep its promise not to increase oil prices this year.  

“The high cost of fuel is not only affecting oil importing countries but also oil producing countries like Iran,” he said, adding that weather and wars were pushing up international oil prices.  

“Our oil reserves can only last us for about another 10 to 15 years,” he told reporters at his Hari Raya open house here. 

Shafie said the Government was taking steps to reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuel by encouraging the use of alternative renewable energy.  

He said the alternative energies being adopted included the use of bio-diesel as well as solar energy in rural areas.