North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has not been seen in public for several weeks [AFP]

The order comes amid growing speculation over the health of Kim Jong-il, the North Korean leader.

During a meeting of the South Korean cabinet in Wednesday Han Seung-soo, the South's prime minister, told officials to avoid "disclosing unnecessary information and intelligence and unnecessarily provoking North Korea."

"At this point, no one knows how the situation will develop," Han was quoted as telling cabinet members.

"We shouldn't carelessly predict anything. It's a very important issue that requires thorough preparation for every scenario."

Kim's failure to appear at last week's national celebrations has fuelled speculation that he is ill.

South Korean officials had said the 66-year-old leader suffered a stroke and underwent brain surgery, but North Korea has repeatedly denied Kim is unwell.

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