The Middle East conflict is increasing living costs for Malaysian students, prompting calls for financial prudence and institutional support.

KUALA TERENGGANU: The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is directly impacting the daily lives of students in Malaysia by driving up living costs.

Dr Siti Nurain Muhmad, Head of the Bachelor of Finance Programme at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), said disruptions to global energy markets are affecting Malaysia’s supply chain.

She explained that instability around key routes like the Strait of Hormuz has caused oil prices to soar.

“This increase in energy costs cannot be avoided from directly affecting the global supply chain including Malaysia,” she said in a statement.

Students are now facing higher expenses for food, transportation, and other basic necessities.

Siti Nurain advised students to adopt greater financial discipline by preparing realistic monthly budgets.

She recommended prioritising needs over wants and practising frugality, echoing the Prime Minister’s call.

“Practices such as cooking for themselves, sharing vehicles and making full use of campus facilities can help reduce the cost burden,” she said.

She also stressed the importance of building emergency savings as a protective measure.

Students were advised to be cautious with financial commitments involving credit or loans to avoid long-term debt.

Siti Nurain said higher education institutions must play a more proactive role in providing support.

This includes targeted financial assistance, welfare initiatives, and income-generating opportunities for students.

Educational institutions should also explore sustainable approaches like using local resources and renewable energy.

This would reduce dependence on uncertain external factors linked to global conflicts.

“The conflict that is taking place thousands of kilometres from this country proves that the world today is closely interconnected,” she said.

She concluded that universities must act as bastions of resilience, preparing an adaptive generation for global challenges.

 The Sun Malaysia