Global Uncertainty: Public Must Verify Information To Avoid Panic

KUALA LUMPUR, April 14 (Bernama) -- The public must verify the authenticity of information related to global uncertainty arising from international conflicts to avoid panic among the community.

Community Communication Department (J-KOM) Strategic Adviser Datuk Dr Budiman Mohd Zohdi said the spread of inaccurate information, including claims involving diesel supply to the Philippines recently and panic buying of food items such as rice, had caused anxiety among the people.

He said the public should practise self-filtering and refer to credible sources before sharing any information.

“We need to think first before sharing and ensure the source is reliable, for example Bernama as an agency that disseminates official government information,” he said when appearing as a guest on Bernama Radio’s Fokus 30 programme here today.

According to him, relying on official sources would minimise misunderstandings and urged the public not to spread unverified information that could be exploited by irresponsible parties during crises.

Meanwhile, Budiman said the public should adopt three key approaches to cope with the rising cost of living in the current situation, as he outlined avoiding excessive spending as the first approach by using only what is necessary based on family needs and financial capacity.

“Secondly, practise prudent spending by purchasing only what is necessary, while the third is to adopt strategic thinking by switching to a smaller car, as we must bear in mind that using a diesel-powered vehicle may increase our expenses under current conditions,” he said.

He said the government had taken various measures to address the global energy crisis, including maintaining the subsidised RON95 price under the Budi MADANI Programme (BUDI95) at RM1.99 per litre to ease the burden on the people.

He added that efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties with Iran had also facilitated the safe return of a Malaysian vessel stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, reflecting a strategic approach in managing the issue.

-- BERNAMA