Fahmi raises concerns over influencers riding on Zara's case for profit

New Straits Times

11 hours ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has voiced concern over the actions of influencers who disregard ethics and facts in their pursuit of profit, in light of the case involving Zara Qairina Mahathir.
He also warned of a growing trend where netizens blindly believe everything they see on social media without verification.
"Social media requires caution. It is not like the mainstream press, where we know there are ethics and journalistic integrity.
"That is why the Sabah Journalists Association issued a statement criticising influencers who pretend to be journalists, showing up at certain places and asking questions with the sole intention of producing content for profit.
"When viewership reaches millions, there is clearly financial gain for these influencers, but integrity and identity verification are neglected," he said in his winding-up speech on the 13th Malaysia Plan in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Fahmi said he had instructed the Information Department, Bernama and RTM to produce content to help the public understand that not everything on social media is true.
"We are seeing a culture where netizens tend to blindly accept whatever they come across on social media.
"Some have fallen victim to scams involving AI deepfakes; others believed there was a cable car in Gerik; some even believed false claims that Zara was put into a washing machine.
"There are even so-called 'pathologists' giving advice on TikTok Live—individuals who, after verification with the Health Ministry, were found not to be doctors and in fact had a history of scams," he said.
Fahmi said he may also get in touch with social media platforms to promote the 'Biar Betul!' segment, aimed at combating fake news and slander.
He added that he would work with the Malaysian Media Council, media associations and press clubs to reinforce the need to observe Section 15 of the Child Act 2001, which imposes restrictions when reporting on children, particularly in criminal cases.
The issue was raised earlier by Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan).