KUALA LUMPUR, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The government is working to ensure that the Malaysian public is prepared for the potential impact of the global energy crisis without triggering panic or complacency, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said on Monday.
Emphasizing that a balanced approach in delivering information is a priority, Saifuddin told a press briefing that the government is seeking to be transparent while at the same time striving to focus on the welfare of the people.
"So our approach is to be frank. To share information. Yes, we are facing supply issues. We are facing the challenge of rising prices. We do not want the public to panic, meaning there must be no denial syndrome. At the same time, we also do not want the public to become complacent and adopt a business-as-usual attitude. This is the challenge," he said.
He also stressed the responsibility of enforcement teams, which must be strengthened in response to the current crisis, particularly as significant price differences are driving increased smuggling, including via sea routes. ■