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THE Cabinet has sanctioned the creation of a National Disaster Management Council, marking a significant step in strengthening the nation’s disaster response framework at both federal and state levels.
Speaking at a press conference following the Cabinet meeting and the Daily Global Energy Crisis Briefing held in Kuala Lumpur today, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil confirmed that the council will include all Chief Ministers, the Premiers of Sarawak, and state heads as permanent members.
"The council meetings will be convened immediately following the regular meetings of the Chief Ministers and Premiers," he explained.
Fahmi added that the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) will serve as the council’s secretariat, coordinating disaster preparedness efforts and ensuring smooth implementation of national and regional response measures.
In a parallel development, Fahmi noted that the Cabinet had been briefed on the extension of the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign, now set to continue until the end of 2027, as announced by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi recently.
He said, "The Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, highlighted the need to review critical sectors such as aviation and hospitality to ensure they are not overly affected by the global energy crisis and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East."
Separately, addressing recent statements by PAS President Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang on rising fuel costs, Fahmi warned against the spread of misinformation.
He clarified that diesel prices in Thailand are currently significantly higher than in Malaysia and emphasised that no country, including the United Arab Emirates, has been able to avoid increasing domestic fuel prices amid global energy volatility.
"I am not sure if he received accurate information. Diesel prices in Thailand are far higher than in our country. But no country, not even the UAE, can avoid raising domestic fuel prices," he stated.
Fahmi also provided an update on investigations conducted by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) into false information circulating online related to the global energy crisis. He reported that 42 investigation papers have been opened, 31 of which concern fabricated news on fuel costs.
"As of 3pm today, 22 individuals nationwide have been summoned for recorded statements to assist with investigations. MCMC has also submitted 355 requests to remove false content from social media platforms, with 154 already removed and the rest under review," he said.
Highlighting the importance of public caution, Fahmi urged Malaysians to verify information before sharing, particularly on digital platforms.
"Do not circulate any information until its authenticity and accuracy are confirmed. Refer to official sources and authorities to prevent confusion," he advised.
He further referenced the Islamic principle of 'tabayyun', citing Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 6, which encourages verifying information prior to believing or disseminating it to prevent harm caused by the spread of false news. - April 8, 2026
