(Foreign workers at a Nasi Kandar shop)
By Devpal Singh A/L Karampal Singh & Dr. Ahmad Sauffiyan Bin Abu Hasan
TANJONG MALIM– The ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, which has intensified in recent times, is not only affecting countries directly involved but is also impacting foreign workers in Malaysia, particularly those with families in their home countries.
Several foreign workers interviewed around Tanjong Malim have shared their perspectives on how the conflict has influenced their daily lives. A foreign worker originating from Pakistan has described the situation as shocking, noting that what initially appeared to be a military conflict between two forces has now escalated into a major international crisis affecting the world economy, and especially back at his home country
(Nasi Kandar Raihana One Bistro, Tanjong Malim)
According to him, the most devastating repercussion in his homeland is the unprecedented surge in fuel costs, with petrol prices recently skyrocketing to over Rs 450 per litre. This spike has acted as a "poverty multiplier," dealing a crushing blow to a population already struggling with poor living conditions and high unemployment. He explained that the rise in fuel costs hasn't stopped at the pump, it has triggered a "cost of living storm" that has inflated the prices of food, transportation, and other basic necessities. These changes have directly impacted his family’s ability to survive, as their daily expenses in Pakistan now far outpace the local economy’s reach.
Another worker explained that the financial struggle is the most obvious result of the conflict. Even though they are working far away in Malaysia, their main priority is still sending money home to support their families. However, because prices in Pakistan are rising so fast, the money they send doesn't go nearly as far as it used to.
He explained that petrol prices recently jumped to over Rs 450 per litre, the cost of everything else has followed. Basic foods like wheat flour and chicken have become much more expensive, and electricity bills have climbed by nearly 20%. This means that even when a worker sends the same amount of Ringgits home, their family can afford less food and medicine than they could just a few months ago. For these workers, the war isn't just a headline, it is a daily worry that their families might have to skip meals or go without essentials because their paychecks can no longer keep up with the economic fallout.
In addition, respondents expressed concern over the potential duration of the conflict. Many believe that the situation may continue for an extended period, as tensions between the involved countries show little sign of resolution. This uncertainty has created anxiety, particularly regarding the safety and well being of their families.
From a political perspective, emotional responses were also evident. The Pakistani worker expressed disappointment over reports that Pakistan had supported the United States with oil tankers that could have been crucial help for their own people. He viewed this action as a form of betrayal toward Iran which allowed Pakistani oil tankers to safely cross the Hormuz Strait, reflecting a sense of internal conflict among ordinary citizens regarding their country’s decisions.
The effects of the conflict are also evident in rising travel costs. International flight ticket prices have reportedly increased since the escalation of the conflict. One respondent shared that a family member who recently travelled from Pakistan to Malaysia had to pay approximately RM2000, compared to the usual price around RM1200, indicating a significant increase.
On a broader scale, the situation is made worse by disruptions in key trade routes like the Strait of Hormuz. For many foreign workers, this is a direct cause of the price hikes their families are facing back home. When global oil supplies are affected, countries like Pakistan see a spike in costs that hits ordinary households the hardest.
Overall, the conflict demonstrates that its impact is not limited to the regions directly involved. Instead, it extends to individuals living far beyond the conflict zone, including foreign workers in Malaysia. This situation highlights how interconnected the modern world has become, where international crises can influence the everyday lives of people across different countries.