PUTRAJAYA – Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah today urged the media, whether television, radio, print or online, to intensify efforts to identify and uncover fake news.
In a statement, he expressed hope that news organisations will raise awareness on the matter and implement measures to stem the spread of false information.
There has been a significant increase in fake news recently, whether on the Covid-19 pandemic, vaccination or politics, and this could give rise to public confusion and concern, he said.
“In the context of disseminating information, the media not only has the role of reporting authentic and accurate news, but also, protecting the people from fake news that has the potential to undermine the government’s efforts to combat Covid-19 and preserve the country’s prosperity and stability.”
He said media outlets have cooperated with Putrajaya on combating fake news since the health crisis began.
The government, through the ministry and other agencies, has been proactive in tackling misinformation, especially when it concerns the pandemic, he said, adding that monitoring by the ministry’s quick response team since March last year led to 464 instances of fake news being debunked.
He said the Emergency (Essential Powers) (No. 2) Ordinance 2021 has been in force since March to curb the issue.
“I am confident in people’s maturity in evaluating whether the information they come across is fake.” – Bernama, July 11, 2021
