KOTA KINABALU, May 21 — Malaysian Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has expressed apprehension regarding what he perceives as an organized movement to spread false information on social media platforms, particularly Facebook, with the intention of creating unrest among the public. While Fahmi believes there is a coordinated effort, he noted that the Ministry has yet to receive detailed information on the extent of organization or collusion among those involved.
He highlighted a recent viral incident involving a pizza company’s receipt, where at least 15 different accounts shared an image containing incorrect information, emphasizing the deliberate creation of numerous fake accounts to sow discord. Fahmi asserted that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) would collaborate with law enforcement to investigate individuals suspected of organized dissemination of fake news.
Additionally, he debunked allegations of government monitoring or recording WhatsApp conversations, citing the application’s end-to-end encryption. Fahmi also emphasized the need for nationwide online safety campaigns, especially for children and families, scheduled for implementation in August, in collaboration with various stakeholders including telecommunications companies and law enforcement agencies.
