Press Release : Hormuz Crisis Hits Home — Chen Demands GRS Act Now as Costs Surge Across Sabah
KOTA KINABALU, 11 April 2026 — Warisan has called on the GRS State Government to act decisively and urgently as the escalating crisis in the Strait of Hormuz begins to drive up costs and squeeze livelihoods across Sabah.
Its Supreme Council Member, Chen Ket Chuin, stressed that what may seem like a distant geopolitical conflict is already translating into real economic pain on the ground.
“This is no longer a faraway crisis. It is fast becoming a bread-and-butter issue for the vast majority of ordinary Sabahans. When global oil routes are disrupted, prices rise — and Sabah, with its structural disadvantages, is hit first and hit hardest,” he said.
Costs Rising, Pressure Mounting Across Sectors
Chen warned that disruptions to global shipping and rising oil prices are already pushing up fuel-linked costs, triggering a chain reaction across Sabah’s economy.
He said the impact is being felt widely:
• Farmers facing rising fertiliser costs linked to petroleum inputs
• Fishermen under increasing pressure as operational costs climb
• Small businesses absorbing higher transport and logistics expenses
• Households struggling with escalating daily living costs
• The cost of medicines rising by an estimated 30% to 40%, with some medical devices increasing by 50% to 100%
“Even with subsidised diesel, fishermen are feeling the squeeze as rising global fuel costs push up overall operating expenses.
“For Sabah, this hits harder than anywhere else in Malaysia. We already pay more for everything due to policy imbalances, poor infrastructure, and geographic disadvantage.”
“Sabahans are already stretched. Many are dipping into their EPF savings just to cope. This crisis will only make things worse,” he said.
“Where Is GRS in a Time of Crisis?”
Chen questioned the apparent lack of urgency from the state government, saying Sabahans have yet to see any clear or coordinated response.
“Prices are rising. People are hurting. Yet the GRS government remains silent. What is the plan?” he asked.
He pressed the state leadership to clarify:
• What immediate support will be given to farmers facing fertiliser price hikes?
• How will rising transport costs — which already make Sabah one of the most expensive regions in Malaysia — be contained?
• What measures are in place to ensure essential goods remain affordable, especially in rural areas?
• What is being done to stabilise the overall cost of living?
“As far as the rakyat can see, there is no clear action,” he said.
Leadership Requires Action, Not Silence
Chen stressed that a responsible government should already be taking proactive steps to cushion the impact.
“GRS should be convening an emergency task force, rolling out targeted assistance for farmers and fishermen, and engaging Putrajaya for urgent support,” he said.
He added that Sabah’s position as an oil and gas-producing state makes the lack of urgency even more difficult to justify.
Contrast in Governance
Drawing a comparison, Chen said the difference in crisis management is clear.
“During the COVID-19 crisis, the Warisan government did not sit back — it acted decisively to protect livelihoods. A state-level stimulus package was rolled out to support low-income households, small businesses, and rural communities.
“At the same time, electricity bill discounts and utility relief measures were implemented to ease the burden on families and businesses facing severe income disruption.
“These were practical, immediate interventions that helped people stay afloat during one of the most difficult periods in recent history.
“This is what responsible governance looks like in a crisis — decisive action, empathy, and policies that deliver real relief where it matters most,” he said.
Warisan helmed the Sabah state government from May 2018 to September 2020.
Key Decisions Cannot Wait
Chen urged the state government to move immediately on several fronts:
• Introduce targeted relief measures for farmers and fishermen
• Address structural cost drivers, including logistics and supply chain inefficiencies
• Push for the acceleration of Sabah’s 40% revenue entitlement to fund cost-of-living relief
“This is not about politics. This is about the price of rice, fuel, fertiliser and fish. When the government has no plan, the people pay the price,” he said.
Govern — Because This Is a Crisis
Chen concluded with a direct call for leadership:
“GRS was elected to govern. Governing means protecting the rakyat — especially in times like this. Sabahans don’t need slogans. They need action. So act.”
End
Chen Ket Chuin @ KC
12 April 2026
