Ministry mulls committee to fight fake news in Sg Bakap polls: Fahmi

The Communications Ministry has not ruled out the possibility of setting up a special committee to monitor and counter the spread of fake news during the upcoming Sungai Bakap by-election in Penang.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said his ministry has been monitoring all social media platforms in an effort to address various types of fake news spread by irresponsible parties during the election season.

“We already have a team which will monitor the spread of fake news at various levels, including at the Communications Ministry; government bodies (agencies) including the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC); and government departments, such as the Information Department.

“Insya-Allah, thatwe will have a (special) committee for the Sungai Bakap by-election,” he told reporters after attending the Nibong Tebal Parliamentary constituency’s Sembang Santai Komuniti Madan in Sungai Bakap today.

The Election Commission (EC) today set July 6 as polling day for the by-election, with nominations and early voting day on June 22 and July 2 respectively.

The Sungai Bakap state seat fell vacant following the death of incumbent Nor Zamri Latiff, 56, on May 24, at Hospital Seberang Jaya (HSJ) due to inflammation of the stomach.

Meanwhile, Fahmi, who is also the Pakatan Harapan communications director, refuted allegations that the by-elections, including the upcoming one in Sungai Bakap, are for the government to give out “goodies”.

He explained that his visit to Penang today was to present the instrument of royal invitation to Penang governor Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak to the Coronation of the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim.

“No, it is untrue (the allegation of giving out goodies to the people during the election). In fact, I am here today to pay a courtesy call on the Penang governor; so, I took advantage by visiting Seberang Perai. It’s not an issue.

“For sure, ministers will always be going down to the field, based on the prime minister’s instructions to see the situation and try to solve the problems (of the people); we will continue to serve, regardless the location,” he said.

- Bernama