Kelantan Umno Youth has called on PAS to help the government explain the hike in fuel prices to the public, days after the opposition party helped mount a mammoth protest against the increase in Kuala Lumpur.

Kelantan Unmo Youth secretary Anuar Safian said the positive move would not only profit the people, but also help the government plan a more effective economic development.

"If PAS continues to incite the public with its propaganda this would only disrupt the government's plans to improve the lives of the people," he was quoted as saying by Bernama.

According to the report, PAS has never failed to raise the price increase issue at all its gatherings in the east coast state, which is ruled by the Islamic-based party.

Anuar said the people must realise that the government has a long-term plan to realise its goal of economic development.

If this noble intention is curbed by instilling hate in the people towards the government, it will affect the development of the nation as a whole, he added.

Gas confusion

In last Friday's demonstration outside the headquarters of state-owned oil company Petronas - the iconic 88-storey Twin Towers - some 2,000 people armed with placards and banners voiced their dissatisfaction over the increase.

In the rises, the size of which took Malaysians by surprise, the government upped the price of petrol and diesel by 30 sen per litre to about RM1.90 and RM1.58 respectively.

In another development, consumers in Sarawak have complained to the enforcement department of the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry about the increase in the price of cooking gas.

The department's deputy director Kasim Mana said there is confusion among consumers who think they only have to pay 30 sen more for a gas cylinder weighing 14kg.

"Actually, the increase is 30 sen for every kilogramme," he explained.

Following this, the price of a 14 kg gas cylinder has gone up by RM4.20 and is sold at RM25.62.