Gobind (right) gives an explanation to a hawker during ‘Info On Wheels’ programme on the 2019 novel coronavirus infection at the Pasar Penjaja Rope Walk. — Bernama photo
GEORGE TOWN: The Ministry of Communications and Multimedia has been doing its best in providing authentic information regarding important issues to the people, said minister Gobind Singh Deo.
He said various initiatives have been implemented by agencies under the ministry to ensure genuine information is provided to the society in an effort to curb the spread of fake news about certain issues that have arisen.
“We always provide accurate information to the people, and the ministry via Bernama (the Malaysian National News Agency), Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) and Information Department, has been actively releasing statements, videos and infographic.
“We also go down to the ground to explain to the people what is the real issue and our measures to overcome it,” he told reporters after attending ‘Info On Wheels’ programme on the 2019 novel coronavirus infection at the Pasar Penjaja Rope Walk, Lorong Kulit here yesterday.
In an effort to curb the spread of the fake news, Gobind said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) had undertaken proactive measures by setting up a portal – sebenarnya.my – that provides accurate information against false news spread via media social.
Gobind also extended his appreciation to the media that had done so much to help the ministry providing genuine information to the members of the public.
Elaborating further, Gobind said from Jan 25 to yesterday, Bernama had published 149 pieces of news reports regarding coronavirus, RTM (137), while the Information Department had carried out 180 programmes and announcements on social media.
“Bernama has published 149 news items regarding the infection, including 42 pieces of news reports via television, 30 infographics and six videos in all languages while RTM aired 147 news reports and interviews, 10 infographics and 42 videos.
“As for the Information Department, it has carried out 180 programmes and announcements on social media to help society understands the disease,” he said.
He said information given had raised awareness among the people and repelled fake news that could trigger panic among members of the society.
Gobind also reminded the people to exercise caution when sharing information via any medium, particularly social media, as any individual who spread false information especially on coronavirus could be prosecuted under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
Asked if there was a need for the Anti-Fake News Act to be reconsidered, Gobind said there were existing laws that could be used to deal with such issues.
“The Anti-Fake News Act has been repealed, however, we still have other laws that can be used to deal with the problem, so the question does not arise for the time being,” he said. — Bernama