PUTRAJAYA – Bernama, RTM and the Information Department (Japen) need to strengthen their cooperation in formulating strategies to combat fake news, according to Communications and Digital Ministerl Fahmi Fadzil.
Speaking to reporters after attending the Communications and Digital Ministry’s (KKD) monthly assembly today, Fahmi said all three agencies, which are under KKD, must be at the forefront in countering any inaccurate information on social media and mainstream media.
He said the matter should be taken seriously to prevent misunderstandings and prolonged confusion among the public.
“There is a need for RTM, Bernama, and Japen to work closely to swiftly counter false information and baseless allegations because it can tarnish reputations and create a negative perception. This is not a political matter but a matter of national importance.
“We must be proactive in improving public service delivery, and I urge us to cultivate the practice of verifying the authenticity of information or news before sharing it,” he said.
For the same purpose, Fahmi when winding up the debate on the 12th Malaysia Plan Mid-Term Review in Parliament last Tuesday, also said the ministry may also discuss the proposal by government backbencher Rodziah Ismail for RTM to have a daily review of false news.
“Maybe we can introduce a slot in RTM news, to be called Fitnah Apa Hari Ini (Today’s False News) to answer and rebut all the fake news so as to avoid misunderstanding among the public,” he said. – September 21, 2023