COMMUNICATIONS Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has called on social media influencers and digital content creators to exercise responsibility and integrity when sharing news or commentary online, warning that emotionally driven content without factual basis can cause serious harm.
“Many people now turn to TikTok, Instagram or Facebook for updates. But much of the content we watch on social media is not always accurate,” he said.
Speaking at the launch of Peduli Radio at Putrajaya Sentral today, Fahmi cited the case of the late Zara Qairina as a stark example of how misinformation spreads.
“There was an English teacher who created content claiming Zara had been put into a washing machine. Without hesitation or shame, she made such a video. And when questioned by police, her justification was that it was ‘just for content’,” he said.
Fahmi also referred to a false claim by an individual posing as a pathologist involved in Zara’s post-mortem, who had shared fabricated details via TikTok.
“He spoke as if he had been in the operating room during Zara’s autopsy. We tracked him down – the man doing the live video was in Kota Bharu, but the so-called doctor he referred to was arrested in Kota Damansara and remanded for three days.
“We checked with the Ministry of Health – he is not a doctor and has a previous criminal record,” said the Minister.
Fahmi stressed that such content is often made solely to attract attention online, without regard for the consequences.
Meanwhile, Peduli Radio – a community-driven online radio station by Peduli Insaf Radio Sdn Bhd – has been launched as Malaysia’s first platform dedicated to broadcasting content on humanitarian missions and community development.
Fahmi expressed hope that the station would go beyond entertainment, embracing content on welfare, social issues and moral values.
He also emphasised the importance of engaging today’s youth, particularly Generation Alpha, who are highly adaptive to technological changes, including in online radio.
“I understand the challenges faced by radio stations, including financial constraints. Peduli Radio’s management must be ready to navigate changes in the industry, especially in meeting the expectations of young audiences and crafting content that resonates with how they think,” he added. - August 24, 2025
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