IPOH, Aug 20 — Malaysia is better positioned to weather the fallout from the Strait of Hormuz disruption than nations solely dependent on imported energy, according to Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.

While Malaysia remains a net importer of oil, Johari noted that the country’s role as a major net exporter of gas, specifically liquefied natural gas (LNG), provides a critical strategic buffer.

“So, we will be affected just as other countries are affected, but not as severely as countries that do not have oil and gas,” he said.

Speaking to reporters after the ‘Invest in Perak Day’ programme at Hotel Casuarina Meru today, the Minister addressed concerns over the escalating geopolitical crisis in the Middle East.

He described the Strait of Hormuz as a critical artery for the global energy sector, warning that supply shocks there inevitably ripple across all international industries.

“Actually, the Strait of Hormuz is more related to the energy sector. When the energy sector is affected, all industries will be affected,” he explained.

Regional tensions spiked recently after United States President Donald Trump shared a map on Truth Social provocatively labelling the Strait of Hormuz as “NEW U.S. Territory”.

In response to the ongoing conflict involving the US and Israel that began in late February, Iran has effectively closed the chokepoint. The strait normally facilitates the transit of roughly 20 per cent of the world’s total oil supply.