Start them young
Education essential to curb habit of spreading fake news, say experts
PETALING JAYA: With deterrent actions showing little success so far in stopping the spread of fake news on social media, two crime experts believe early education may be the key for Malaysia.
Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) senior vicechairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye and criminologist Shahul Hamid Abdul Rahim think this should be the way forward for the country as it currently grapples with fake information on the novel coronavirus outbreak.
They believe that lessons should start as early as primary level similar to a model that has been adopted by Finland, the country that was only recently rated Europe’s most resistant nation to fake news.
The curriculum in Finland, which among other things teaches students to ask certain questions to themselves to differentiate false information from real news, was devised by its government in 2014, when the country was first targeted with fake news by Russia.
Lee said Finland’s model was something Malaysia could emulate to ensure the people stop taking information at face value without first authenticating its validity.
“I deplore the fact that despite the warnings and actions taken, there still are irresponsible Malaysians who spread fake news about the coronavirus,” he told theSun yesterday.
“I think it is only good that we teach the people at a young age how to differentiate real from fake. The most
important thing is to educate them not to take everything they receive on social media for granted,” he added.
To date about 10 Malaysians are being investigated by the authorities for spreading fake news pertaining to the deadly Wuhan virus.
In addition to introducing lessons in schools, Lee proposed that the government amend the law to ensure stiffer penalties for those who intentionally spread false information.
He said apart from increasing fines and prison terms, the government should also consider introducing mandatory imprisonment, noting how fake news could affect the economy and stability.
“Alternatively, the government can also devise a real time online platform for citizens to check facts with immediate responses,” he said.
Like Lee, Shahul Hamid also believes teaching schoolchildren about fake news and its repercussions is pertinent, going by the attitudes of many Malaysians who continue to disregard the law.
“If by taking action, Malaysians still seem not bothered, then the government should give serious thought about starting lessons in schools,” he said.
“Teach children not to believe everything they see and read. It may take time to see results, but it will be worth it,” he added.
Shahul Hamid expressed hope that the current crackdown on fake news would not be seasonal, done only in view of the virus outbreak, but continue into the future.
“It has to be continuous. Arrest as many people as possible and charge them in court. Only then people will be afraid to commit the crime.”