Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association has advised all parties to refrain from issuing statements that could mislead the public, particularly on the global energy crisis and rising oil prices. Its chief activist Datuk Nadzim Johan emphasized the need for statements to be supported by clear facts to prevent public unease, especially amidst the rise of false information and AI-generated content on social media.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nadzim highlighted the importance of the opposition carrying out their duties ethically and with proper consideration. He expressed concern that unsupported statements would only contribute to confusion among the public. His remarks were in response to a statement by PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, who warned Muslims in the country against being misled by baseless claims regarding oil price increases.
The Marang MP, Abdul Hadi Awang, argued that there was no solid justification for increasing oil prices in Malaysia, as the country possesses its own petroleum resources and is not affected by sanctions against Iran or disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. In light of these circumstances, Nadzim urged the government to improve its communication strategies to ensure the dissemination of timely and accurate information, which could help curb the spread of misinformation.
Nadzim also voiced concerns about some traders exploiting rising fuel costs to unjustifiably increase the prices of essential goods. He advocated for a cultural shift among the public toward more prudent consumption, highlighting the need for careful use of water and electricity and minimizing food waste.