Malaysia's Fight Against Fake News and the Push for Digital Literacy
- Muhammad Ikmal Fahmi Bin Che Mohamood
- May 15, 2024
- 2 min read
An overview of disinformation, and digital literacy landscape in Malaysia.
(Microsoft Malaysia)
Known risk and available mitigation disinformation remains a pressing issue in Malaysia, manifesting in various ways. A study highlighted the prevalence of fake news, encompassing both misinformation and disinformation, with social media being a common platform for the unverified sharing of information.
The COVID-19 pandemic has notably spotlighted this challenge, raising concerns about the erosion of public trust in institutions and the government. Despite the wide reach of online health-related news, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) reported that a staggering 83% of Malaysians trust such content, regardless of its source.
To address the proliferation of fake news, Malaysia has implemented a comprehensive legal framework. The government enacted the Anti-Fake News Act 2018 in response to the growing problem, criminalizing the dissemination of fake news, whether online or in print.
Additionally, the MCMC maintains Sebenarnya.my, an online fact-checking portal that verifies information related to government agencies.The MCMC also advises WhatsApp group administrators to be vigilant against fake news within their groups.
Furthering its commitment to combating misinformation, Malaysia has launched initiatives to improve digital literacy, notably among students.The Digital Education Policy aims to imbue students with vital digital skills through the integration of digital technology in education, preparing them for the digital age
Despite these measures, the challenge remains formidable, particularly as many young Malaysians struggle to discern between authentic and fake news, underscoring the need for enhanced digital literacy education. The proliferation of misinformation and disinformation is amplified by social media's capacity to spread false information rapidly and widely, outpacing the truth across all types of information.
Learn more about Malaysia's digital literacy in the One Divide or Many Divides report by the ASEAN Foundation.
Read the report here:
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