KUALA LUMPUR, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia has expressed deep concern over reported armed clashes between Cambodian and Thai forces along their border, conveying condolences to the families of those killed or injured on Monday.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on social media that the renewed fighting risks unravelling the careful work that has gone into stabilizing relations between the two neighbors.

He said that as close partners of Malaysia and key members of ASEAN, Thailand and Cambodia were urged to exercise maximum restraint, maintain open channels of communication and make full use of existing mechanisms to ease tensions.

Anwar also said Malaysia stands ready to support steps that can help restore calm and avert further incidents.

"Our region cannot afford to see long-standing disputes slip into cycles of confrontation. The immediate priority is to halt the fighting, safeguard civilians and return to a diplomatic path supported by international law and the neighborly spirit on which ASEAN depends," Anwar noted. Enditem