He said such claims were “inaccurate”, “superficial”, and would confuse the public.

“There is a renowned ulama, with many followers, who claimed that news about oil prices increasing was fake, and that it was only in Malaysia.

“His take on the matter is superficial, but because it was interwoven with Quranic and religious teachings, it led many to believe him,” Anwar said when meeting with personnel from the transport ministry.

He did not name the ulama in question, but was believed to be referring to PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, who had questioned the increase in diesel price in West Malaysia.

Speaking yesterday, Hadi said such an increase was not imposed in Sabah and Sarawak, and lacked a solid basis.

The Marang MP said linking fuel price hikes to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, should not be a means to justify the increase in diesel price for Peninsular Malaysia.

The retail price of diesel in Peninsular Malaysia until April 15 is set at RM6.72 per litre.

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