The dissemination of false news, even if it is just one piece of news, has to be stopped immediately, said Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Sharifah Zarah Syed Ahmad.
"If not addressed immediately, the news will not only harm individuals but also have an effect on a nation," she said after the inaugural meeting of the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Committee on Information and Communications Co-operation, here.
Dr Sharifah Zarah co-chaired the meeting with the permanent secretary of the Singapore Ministry of Communications and Information, Gabriel Lim. Also attending the meeting was Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) general manager Datuk Zulkefli Salleh.
Dr Sharifah Zarah said four topics, namely false news, the digital economy, analogue switch and international mobile roaming, were discussed at the meeting.
She said the speed of technology made the effort to check the dissemination of false news "a little difficult" and "it is not easy to stop the dissemination just like that".
One measure, she said, was to educate the people to differentiate between false news and truthful news.
She also said that the Malaysian government had launched the SEBENARNYA.MY portal that informed about the truthfulness of news that went viral on social media.
Describing the meeting as fruitful, Dr Sharifah Zarah said the two sides were able to share experiences and ideas to address the issue of dissemination of false news.
Malaysia and Singapore signed a memorandum of understanding last year to enhance co-operation in television and film productions, info-communications media development, exchange of news, government communications and digital technology.
In conjunction with the meeting, Singapore will host the ‘Muzik Ekstravaganza’ (Muzika) tomorrow night.
Malaysian Minister of Communications and Multimedia Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak and Singapore Minister of Communications and Information Dr Yaacob Ibrahim will be the guests of honour at the annual variety co-production.
Muzika, which has entered its 11th year, is jointly produced by Malaysia’s Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) and Singapore’s Mediacorp.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Thu Jul 06 2017
Dr Sharifah Zarah says the two sides were able to share experiences and ideas to address the issue of dissemination of false news. - Filepic
The scamdemic targeting the young and vulnerable
Teenagers and young adults are becoming prime targets for a new wave of cyber scams, a trend raising alarm bells across Southeast Asia.
Japanese manicurist takes on plastic pollution, one nail at a time
Before global leaders address plastic pollution, a Japanese manicurist highlights the issue by incorporating it into her nail designs.
What to watch for ahead of US presidential inauguration
Here's a timeline of events between now and inauguration day.
The battle to reduce road deaths
In Malaysia, over half a million road accidents have been recorded so far this year.
Pro-Palestinian NGOs seek court order to stop Dutch arms exports to Israel
The Dutch state, as a signatory to the 1948 Genocide Convention, has a duty to take all reasonable measures at its disposal to prevent genocide.
How quickly can Trump's Musk-led efficiency panel slash US regulations?
Moves by Trump and his appointees to eliminate existing rules will be met with legal challenges, as many progressive groups and Democratic officials have made clear.
2TM: Consultations on PTPTN loans, admission to IPTA at MOHE booth
Consultations on PTPTN loans and admission to IPTA are among services provided at the Higher Education Ministry booth.
Kampung Tanjung Kala residents affected by flooded bridge every time it rains heavily
Almost 200 residents from 60 homes in Kampung Tanjung Kala have ended up stuck when their 200-metre (m) long concrete bridge flooded.
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.