Malaysia backs Bangladesh’s energy needs
Malaysia has expressed its willingness to strengthen energy cooperation with Bangladesh, with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim signalling support for supplying liquefied natural gas (LNG) through Malaysia’s national energy company PETRONAS to help address country’s acute gas shortage.
The commitment came during a telephone conversation between Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his counterpart Tarique Rahman on Tuesday, in which the two leaders discussed a range of bilateral issues, with energy security emerging as a key priority.
According to a statement issued by the Malaysian Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman briefed his counterpart on the challenges Bangladesh is facing in ensuring an adequate gas supply and sought Malaysia’s assistance to help meet the country’s urgent energy requirements.
“Among the key issues raised was the challenge of gas supply that Bangladesh is facing, which is why he is seeking Malaysia’s assistance, including through cooperation with PETRONAS to supply LNG to help meet the country’s urgent needs,” the statement said.
The development comes as Bangladesh continues to grapple with a severe gas crisis that has disrupted household cooking, industrial production and power generation in recent weeks.
The shortage has affected factories, particularly export-oriented industries, while many urban residents have complained of inadequate gas pressure during peak hours.
Beyond the energy sector, the two leaders discussed broader efforts to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation.
They reviewed the progress of investments involving Malaysian telecommunications company Axiata and explored the potential for strategic collaboration with MMC Port, Malaysia’s largest port operating group, to enhance connectivity, trade and investment between the two countries.
According to the Malaysian statement, both leaders exchanged views on initiatives aimed at expanding investment and creating greater economic opportunities for the benefit of both nations.
The conversation also reflected the momentum generated by Tarique Rahman’s recent official visit to Malaysia, during which the two countries agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, labour, infrastructure and energy.
That visit was widely viewed as a significant step towards reinvigorating bilateral ties and expanding collaboration in sectors of strategic importance.
Malaysia reiterated its commitment to maintaining its long-standing friendship with Bangladesh.
“Malaysia will continue to be committed to strengthening the long-standing friendship with Bangladesh, based on a spirit of mutual respect, pragmatic cooperation, and a commitment to bring benefits to the people of both countries,” the Malaysian Prime Minister said in the statement.
With Bangladesh seeking reliable energy partners to overcome its current gas shortage, closer collaboration with Malaysia, particularly through PETRONAS, could become an important pillar of the two countries’ expanding strategic and economic partnership.
