The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively shut since 28 February 2026, with tanker traffic falling by approximately 90 per cent within the first week (IEA, 2026a). According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), this represents the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market. For Malaysia, however, this situation is not merely a crisis but also a rare strategic policy window. It reflects a convergence of four strategic opportunities that may not arise again within a generation. Each requires decisive policy action within the current fiscal window, which is likely to close by the end of May 2026.
