13/03/2026

FRIDAY | MAR 13, 2026

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COMMENT by Dr Ong Ai Ling

When wars ground the world W ARS often feel distant until they disrupt everyday life. For many people around the world, the recent that may not be directly involved in the conflict yet are still affected by shifting perceptions.

Crisis communication in the aviation industry The aviation industry faces particularly complex communication demands during geopolitical crises. Disruptions to travel schedules create logistical complications as well as emotional stress for passengers, who depend heavily on airlines for timely information and guidance regarding alternative arrangements. In such situations, effective crisis communication becomes essential. Airlines must provide real-time updates, explain operational decisions transparently and ensure that customer service channels remain accessible. Without effective communication, confusion and frustration can escalate rapidly, especially when travel plans are disrupted with little notice. The rise of social media has further amplified these communication demands, enabling passenger experiences and public sentiment to spread rapidly across digital platforms. Communication teams, therefore, play a crucial role in monitoring conversations, responding to concerns and ensuring that accurate information reaches audiences promptly. Equally important is reassurance. Transparent communication about safety considerations and operational decisions can help maintain public confidence while demonstrating organisational responsibility. Managing global narratives and public perception The current conflict in the Middle-East also highlights how modern wars unfold within a complex global communication environment. Conflicts today are not only fought through military operations but also through competing narratives circulating across international media platforms. Governments, international

escalation of conflict in the Middle East may appear as another geopolitical headline unfolding thousands of kilometres away. Yet, its impact can be immediate and personal. The closure of airspace across parts of the Middle East has disrupted travel plans, forcing airlines to reroute or suspend flights. Such disruptions highlight how deeply interconnected the global system has become. Beyond military strategies and political tensions, the conflict also presents a significant communication challenge. In an era of real-time information and global mobility, geopolitical crises demand careful and responsible communication to help the public navigate uncertainty and understand rapidly evolving events. Disruption to global travel and tourism One of the most immediate global consequences of the conflict is disruption to international travel and tourism. Rising security concerns often lead governments to impose airspace restrictions or travel advisories, creating uncertainty for travellers worldwide. Tourism is particularly sensitive to perceptions of safety and stability. Even when conflicts occur in specific regions, extensive media coverage can influence travellers’ perceptions of risk. Images of missile strikes, military escalation and rising tensions often lead travellers to postpone or cancel trips until the situation stabilises. For tourism boards, airlines and travel operators, this creates an immediate need for clear and proactive communication. These organisations must respond swiftly with clear and transparent updates regarding travel conditions, potential disruptions and safety considerations. Effective communication helps manage traveller anxiety while protecting the reputation of destinations

One of the most immediate global consequences of conflicts is disruption to international travel and tourism. Disruptions can create logistical complications as well as emotional stress for passengers. – REUTERSPIC

leave damaged relationships in our wake. These unhealthy patterns can even pass from one generation to the next. But handled well, anger can lead to greater understanding and deeper intimacy in a marriage. Sometimes breaking the cycle requires professional help. A licensed counsellor can guide you towards healthier ways of responding and strengthening your relationship. This article is contributed by Focus on the Family Malaysia, a non profit organisation dedicated to supporting and strengthening the family unit. It provides a myriad of programmes and resources, including professional counselling on effective communication to raise awareness, mobilise support and encourage global solidarity. Images and personal stories shared through media platforms can evoke empathy and inspire support. Yet, communicators must balance the urgency with responsibility. Avoiding sensationalism while conveying the realities of conflict respectfully will ensure that affected communities are represented with dignity. Ultimately, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East demonstrates that modern wars extend far beyond the battlefield. They disrupt industries, influence global mobility, shape public perception and create widespread uncertainty across societies. Recent developments illustrate how geopolitical tensions can quickly ripple through global systems. Even those observing events from afar are reminded of how interconnected today’s world has become. In an age where information spreads rapidly across borders, transparency, empathy and responsible communication play a vital role in helping societies navigate uncertainty. DrOng Ai Ling is a senior lecturer at the School of Media and Communication, Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management, Taylor’s University. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

organisations and news outlets all influence how events are perceived by global audiences. Official statements, press briefings and media interviews become strategic tools used to justify actions, maintain domestic support and shape international opinion. However, the digital information landscape also introduces significant challenges. News, images and commentary now circulate almost instantly across digital platforms, often before events are fully understood. In such fast-moving situations, speculation and emotionally charged narratives can quickly shape public sentiment and complicate efforts to maintain clarity. In such circumstances, credibility becomes a critical asset. Institutions and communicators must respond swiftly to clarify misinformation, provide factual updates and maintain transparency. Consistent and responsible communication helps preserve public trust during periods of uncertainty. Humanitarian communication and ethical responsibility Another important dimension of the conflict involves humanitarian communication. Wars oftentimes result in civilian suffering, displacement and humanitarian crises. International organisations and non governmental organisations rely heavily

“Recent developments illustrate how geopolitical tensions can quickly ripple through global systems. Even those observing events from afar are reminded of how interconnected today’s world has become.

Under One Roof

Building relationships that stand the test of time Q: I am getting married in June. My fiancée and I hope to build a strong, lifelong relationship, so we have been asking people we respect for advice and perspective. What guidance would you offer? committed to walking that path together, the rewards are well worth the effort.

experience anger – or encounter it in someone else – remember that there is often more beneath the surface. Compassion becomes easier when we recognise that fear, frustration or hurt may be hiding beneath that smouldering anger. This doesn’t give us – or anyone else – the right to explode in rage. But when we recognise that anger is often a secondary response to fear or hurt, we are better able to respond to angry people, including our spouses, with understanding and compassion. In every situation, we have a choice: acknowledge our emotions or ignore them. When anger is mismanaged, it can damage the relationships that matter most, especially with those we love. The real issue with anger is how we handle it. When we manage it poorly, we push away those we love most and

When a relationship is built mainly on feelings, commitment can fade as soon as those feelings change. That is often why people abandon friendships and give up on marriages when the initial excitement wears off. True love is something quite different. Love is patient and understanding – and, yes, at times it can be hard. It means sacrificing for someone else and choosing to stay with them in spite of their flaws. Rather than walking away, people who truly love one another face challenges together in the pursuit of something deeper and more meaningful. The path to authentic, soul fulfilling intimacy may begin with romance and excitement but sooner or later every relationship encounters its share of thorns. Still, when two people are

Q: My husband and I seem to be constantly angry and we often take it out on each other, even though we both know this isn’t how we want to live. How can we break this pattern? Focus on the Family Malaysia: It can be helpful to remember that anger is usually a secondary emotion, not a primary one. More often than not, it masks deeper feelings and surfaces after we have experienced fear, frustration, hurt – or some combination of these emotions. Sometimes anger is triggered by unmet expectations that leave us feeling disappointed. When you

Focus on the Family Malaysia: Every couple hopes for a loving marriage that will endure for the long haul. Yet, it is worth asking, “Why do so few relationships seem to experience that kind of genuine intimacy?” Part of the answer may lie in what we expect from relationships. We are often drawn to someone because of the way they make us feel. Those feelings are real and important, and of course we all want to experience them in marriage. But emotions alone are not a strong enough foundation to sustain a relationship or to create deep, lasting intimacy.

services, to the community. For more information, visit family.org.my. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com