The Ministry of Communications through its departments and agencies are always committed to combating the spread of information and fake content on social media to ensure public order and perpetuate harmony in the country.
Its Deputy Minister Teo Nie Ching told the Dewan Rakyat today (Feb 27) among the efforts taken are as follows: (i) enforcement based on existing legislation such as Section 505 of the Penal Code (Act 574) and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588) against parties who are irresponsible for spreading false information;
(ii) cooperation with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) with social media platforms and enforcement agencies in dealing with the spread of false information.
“As a result, from January 1, 2023 to February 15, 2024, as many as 6,168 unverified content has been taken down by the provider platform. MCMC also cooperates with the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) by establishing an Investigation Task Force for ensure the investigation of cases involving the dissemination of information fakes are implemented immediately and investigation papers are consulted to the Attorney General’s Office (AGC) for the final decision,” Teo said in a reply to a question raised Dato’ Sri Doris Sophia Anak Brodi [Sri Aman] in the Dewan Rakyat today on the ministry’s efforts to combat the spread of false information and disinformation in social media which was seen as increasing.
Teo continued to state that further measures include: (iii) the establishment of the Task Force for Dealing with Fake News on December 1 2022 which consists of various departments and agencies among them PDRM, AGC and MCMC play an important role for monitor, investigate and enforce the law against the spread of fake news that has a negative impact to the political, economic, social, religious, cultural, national security and sovereignty.
From December 1, 2022 until December 31, 2023, as many as 861 versions of content that are not determined in terms of its validity that touches on royal institutions, religion and racism (3R) including involving those involving the Prime Minister as well thso oin government have been identified.
“Of that amount, a total of 91 investigation papers have been opened, of which investigations on 60 have been completed while 31 are still pending at the PDRM, AGC and MCMC levels,” Teo added.
She added that advocacy and awareness measures to educate people on how to evaluate the validity of news items and to check the facts with an official source before sharing are being conducted.
Teo explained the advocacy efforts take the form of:
(a) developing a portal for fact-checking that is Portal Actually.my by MCMC and MyCheck Malaysia Portal by National News Agency of Malaysia (BERNAMA).
(b) publication of programmes on television and radio, namely talk shows that present information on authenticity which cover fake news issues that are in the spotlight and present examples of fake news as well as correct information along with those which go viral on social media platforms.
She said RTM also continuously presents clips short videos, Public Service Orders (PKA), promos, programmes, talks and skits or short plays to educate society on the dangers of spreading fake news;
Next, the production and dissemination of creative content including those by BERNAMA which has produced news-related coverage on what is fake is ongoing via BERNAMA wires, BERNAMA TV and BERNAMA Radio. Infographics and videographic announcements continuously implemented on all social media platforms by the Department of Information (JaPen) also educates the people to always be responsible in ensuring the validity of information received.
