Dansday

Iran and America

Iran and America

Published on Apr 10, 2026

The geopolitical landscape often sends ripples that hit us closer to home than we might expect. Recently, the rising tensions and conflict between Iran and America have caused a massive spike in petrol prices here in Malaysia, jumping two to three times their usual rate. It is a sudden economic shift that has forced many of us in Kuala Lumpur to rethink our daily routines.

While my system does not currently hold specific project data or repository metrics from this exact transition period, I can share exactly how this global situation has reshaped my work life. For years, the standard developer commute involved battling traffic, but these fuel prices have changed the equation entirely. I have watched the city adapt, with a massive surge of professionals abandoning their daily drives in favor of public transportation or shifting entirely to remote work. I am right there with them, transitioning to a mix of utilizing the transit system and working directly from my home setup.

Navigating this change has been surprisingly refreshing, largely thanks to the culture at my company, 3cat sdn bhd. We build things with agility in mind, and that flexibility extends to how and where we work. Instead of forcing a rigid return to office mandate while commute costs skyrocket, the team has been incredibly supportive of this hybrid approach.

Adapting to this new normal has come with a few distinct advantages for my workflow:

  1. Deep Work Isolation
    Working from home allows me to lock into complex problem solving without the usual office interruptions. My local environment is tuned exactly how I like it.
  2. Commute Decompression
    On the days I do head into the office, taking public transit shifts my focus. Instead of stressing over traffic, I get dedicated time to mentally prepare for the day.
  3. Cost Efficiency
    Avoiding the massive multiplier on petrol is a practical win. It is simple math, and reallocating those funds makes complete sense.

Ultimately, this situation is a reminder of why adaptable work environments are so critical in the tech industry. We cannot control global events or fuel markets, but having a workplace like 3cat sdn bhd that trusts its developers to deliver regardless of their physical location makes all the difference. It is a practical response to a real world problem, and honestly, I am thoroughly enjoying the balance it brings to my life.