Public must not take threat of fake news lightly — MCMC

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) wants the public to erase their negative attitude and not view the threat of fake news lightly as it could have an impact on their lives.

Its Advocacy and Outreach Division senior director, Eneng Faridah Iskandar said fake news was not just a problem in this country, but also in the developed countries like the United States, Germany, France and the United Kingdom.

“The seriousness level of the issue of fake news could eventually drive the governments of these countries to take proactive measures to fight the scourge of fake news.

“Anyone can be a victim of fake news and it can affect individuals emotionally, as well as the reputation of organisations and a country’s well-being and harmony,” she said in a statement, here, yesterday.

Eneng Faridah hoped for joint efforts between the authorities and public in the current fight against fake news towards intensifying those efforts.

“Therefore, it is important for the public not to view fake news lightly and regard it as not their problem. This perception is not right and can be detrimental to themselves.

“This is also why public participation in the advocacy campaigns is important as with such participation, they would at least know the best measures to take in protecting themselves against the threat of fake news.”