The government today voiced concern over a string of deadly bomb blasts in Burma and urged Malaysians to avoid travelling to the military-run country.

"What is clear is that there is political instablity and if not properly handled, the violence is going to continue," said Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar.

"We hope the Myanmar government will manage and handle the situation well."

Syed Hamid urged Malaysians to put off travel to Myanmar (Burma), saying the government was not sure of what was happening in the country.

"They may be caught in some incident that could cause a tragedy. I would like to advise Malaysians to avoid (going to Myanmar)," he was quoted as saying by Bernama news agency.

Four Malaysians hurt

Syed Hamid said four Malaysians from a local church group visiting Rangoon were injured in the blasts on Saturday.

"There were four (Malaysians) injured. One is serious and still in Yangon (Rangoon's new name) while three others received outpatient treatment," he said.

Military-ruled Burma has imposed a blackout on news of casualties from the bomb blasts after official reports of 11 dead, but there are concerns that the toll was substantially higher.

Senior Thai officials in Bangkok said on Monday 21 people, all Burmese nationals, were killed in the blasts which happened at two shopping malls and a trade centre.