Media practitioners to aid govt in curbing negative features of social media

Media practitioners need to act as strategic communication partners of the government to curb negative elements of social media, said deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof. 

Speaking at an award night for journalists yesterday (12 November), Fadillah said that media practitioners serve as a shield in warding off fake news that continues to fill social media. This is on top of its reporting on cases of cyber bulling and scams.

It is also the role and responsibility of mainstream media to raise public awareness about the threats and dangers of social media crimes, added Fadillah. 

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In a Facebook statement, Fadillah said that the role of media is very important in molding the future and direction of the country as it is not only a liaison or mediator in transmitting information to society, but also plays a role in molding the minds of the people. 

He added that today's technological developments have changed the landscape of local media where the insurgence of platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, YouTube and Instagram have enabled people to get their news sources very quickly. 

"The dissemination of information is only at your fingertips, however the information shared sometimes contains elements that can be harmful and self-threatening," said Fadillah in the statement.

"Content containing negative elements such as fake news, incitement of interracial hatred, online fraud, slander and bullying, can pose significant risks to the safety of the people and the well-being of the country," he added. 

Following which, Fadillah said the government will be unveiling an online security bill by the ministry of communications. 

Fadillah explained that the bill does not mean to restrict citizens' freedom of speech, but to ensure the country has stricter laws in dealing with crimes related to social media. 

This online security bill comes on the heels of the Malaysian government's social media license, coming into effect on 1 January 2025. 

The framework is part of the Malaysian government's efforts to combat online crimes such as pedophilia, scams, fake news and online gambling. First reported earlier in the year, the government has reportedly been working with various social media platforms such as Meta, Google and TikTok. 

Earlier this month, communications minister Fahmi Fadzil reportedly vowed that the Malaysian government will not be censoring the local internet under its new social media regulatory license framework. 

The minister added that any unlawful behaviour in the physical realm is an offence in the online environment and while freedom of expression is a recognised fundamental right, it must be accompanied with responsibility. 

Fahmi reportedly said that freedom without boundaries is a freedom that "invites disaster", adding that the regulatory framework is intended to ensure a balance between freedom of speech, national security and the well-being of citizens. 

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