The government has called for closer coordination between the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) and social media platforms to tackle fake and misleading content ahead of the upcoming state elections in Johor and Negeri Sembilan.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the collaboration is necessary amid rising concerns over misinformation, including the misuse of local media logos to produce fabricated news graphics circulating online.
“I discussed with the MMC recently, and they expressed apprehension over the same issue: Fake news and the misuse of local media logos to generate fabricated graphics,” he said.
Fahmi said the government is ready to work with the MMC and media industry players to minimise, and ultimately eliminate, the spread of false information on social media during the election period.
He also urged social media platforms to take a more proactive role in removing fake content, particularly election-related misinformation, and to act swiftly on user reports.
He noted that some platforms, including TikTok, already provide dedicated reporting tools for election-related false content, but stressed that stronger enforcement will be critical ahead of the polls.
