KUALA LUMPUR (April 15): The escalating tensions in the Middle East, triggered by Iran's barrage of missiles and drones at Israel over the weekend, have had only a minimal impact on the Malaysian economy thus far, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Pointing to the slight dip in the opening of Bursa Malaysia on Monday morning, Anwar noted that this reflected regional trends.

"Nevertheless, the government will continue to monitor this situation very closely and take proactive measures to ensure the security, welfare, and well-being of all Malaysians. The interests of the country will be our primary consideration," said Anwar in a statement on Monday, following his chairing of a special meeting by the National Security Council to discuss the grave situation in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, Anwar also voiced support for Iran's decision to launch a drone attack on Israel in response to the attack on the Islamic Republic's embassy in Damascus, deeming it a "legitimate act".

However, Anwar expressed satisfaction with the assurances given by the Iranian government that, barring another attack by Israel, the drone attack would be its only reaction.

"We join all of the civilized world in urging the Zionist Israeli regime not to further aggravate an already extremely tense situation. There are clear signs indicating that the world has no desire to see a worsening of the situation," he said.

Anwar emphasised that the key to resolving this issue is the just and immediate resolution of the inhumane situation in Gaza, urging full global attention to be devoted to it without distractions.

"There must be a durable ceasefire that will enable the passage of humanitarian aid. In this connection, Malaysia’s latest contribution of 100 containers is expected to leave Malaysia on April 27," Anwar added.