KUALA LUMPUR, March 2 -- Former investment, trade and industry minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz has cautioned that Malaysia is beginning to feel the impact of the escalating conflict between the United States and Iran.

In an Instagram post, Tengku Zafrul said several Malaysia Airlines flights have had to turn back or be diverted after airspace over parts of West Asia was closed or restricted.

"When flight routes become unsafe, airlines are forced to reroute or cancel services. This means longer journeys to Europe, higher fuel costs and potential delays in air cargo," he explained.

Tengku Zafrul noted that Malaysia, as a trading nation, relies heavily on air transport for high-value exports such as electronics, as well as es...