Verify First Before Sharing Information - Zulkifli

PUTRAJAYA, April 9 (Bernama) -- Malaysians have been urged to practise the principle of ‘tabayyun’, which emphasises verifying the authenticity of information before sharing any news related to the global energy crisis, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan.

He reminded the public not to be influenced by unverified information that could cause panic and confusion.

“The issue of the global energy crisis is not a small matter. It is complex… it is truly happening and requires all of us to be more mature in dealing with it,” he said in a post on his Facebook page today.

Zulkifli said Malaysians should be grateful as the country remains stable despite the world currently grappling with conflict in West Asia.

He said this is the result of the government’s effective management of the impact of the conflict, which has also been recognised by JP Morgan and the Milken Institute.

“In a time when the world is struggling, we still have sufficient supplies… chicken, eggs, rice, cooking oil, flour and so on. In fact, there is currently an oversupply of vegetables in the market.

“Aidilfitri celebrations are still lively, open houses are full, and the roads remain congested. This is our reality today.

“Petrol, diesel, and gas are still available, alhamdulillah. Subsidies? The MADANI government continues to bear them on a large scale, amounting to billions of ringgit, so that the people are not burdened and our welfare is protected,” he said.

Zulkifli also encouraged the public to practise a moderate lifestyle, be thrifty, and use energy wisely.

“In the end, a strong nation is not built by the government alone, but by its people - those who are wise, calm, united, rational and responsible.

“May we all continue to be responsible in sharing information and wise in managing resources for the well-being of all,” he said.

The statement was made following claims by PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang that the people had once again been ‘deceived’ by the government following the increase in fuel prices in Peninsular Malaysia, and he questioned why the same measure was not implemented in Sabah and Sarawak.

-- BERNAMA