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New Straits Times
a day ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Laws adequate to check offensive speech, says Aaron
KUALA LUMPUR: There is no need to introduce new laws to restrict public offensive remarks, says National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang. Aaron said it was sufficient to enhance enforcement of existing laws under the Home Ministry, the Communications Ministry, the police, and the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). "The ministry is of the view that there is no need to enact or introduce new laws to restrict offensive speech at this time, and that it is sufficient to strengthen the enforcement of existing laws by the Home Ministry, the Communications Ministry, the police, and MCMC. "Anyone who deliberately commits an act, provokes, or makes any statement that threatens racial or religious unity can be investigated and prosecuted. "Several Acts have already been enacted and enforced under the Home Ministry and the Ministry of Communications, including the Penal Code, the Communications and Multimedia Act, the Sedition Act, and the Printing Presses and Publications Act," he said in the Dewan Rakyat. He was responding to Muhammad Ismi Mat Taib (PN-Parit), who asked about the ministry's efforts to address racial sentiments and religious extremism on social media, as well as monitoring outcomes for the first half of 2025. Aaron said monitoring and enforcement of issues involving religion, royalty and race (commonly referred to as 3R issues) on social media fall under the jurisdiction of the MCMC. He said from 2023 to July 2025, MCMC had reportedly removed 11,967 pieces of 3R-related content, where 7,673 pieces of content were successfully taken down by platform providers. He said that although the ministry does not have direct enforcement power, it plays a key role through a reformative approach involving intervention, mediation and awareness to address sensitive issues related to religion, race, and hate speech. Aaron said his ministry was monitoring 3R statements through the National Community Complaints Network System (Rakan), where complaints will be channelled to the relevant enforcement authorities for immediate action. He added that the ministry has a Unity Issue Management Committee covering 12 Ministries and agencies to coordinate immediate action on issues affecting unity. "The ministry also developed a unity analysis dashboard on a digital board to identify high-risk hotspots for racial or religious tensions. "This information is used to plan and implement targeted intervention programs in the community," he said. Aaron also added that they had implemented the "Cakap baik-baik" campaign, which aims at educating the community to be more courteous when communicating online. He said the ministry had also successfully resolved several incidents through the reform approach, including a controversial incident in February this year where a corn seller was fined for displaying a sign insulting the Indian community. "The issue was mediated by two Rukun Tetangga leaders, who acted as middlemen in reducing tensions," added Aaron.
The Star
a day ago
- Politics
- The Star
Existing laws sufficient to tackle offensive remarks, Aaron tells Parliament
KUALA LUMPUR: There is no need to introduce new laws to address offensive public remarks, as current mechanisms are adequate, said National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang. According to Aaron, the authorities can enhance enforcement of existing laws under the Home Ministry, the Communications Ministry, the police, and the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). "The Ministry is of the view that there is no need to create a new law to stop insulting speeches for now. "Anyone who intentionally commits any act, incites, or issues any statements that threaten racial and religious unity, may be investigated and prosecuted under existing laws. "There are several laws enacted and enforced under the Home Ministry and the Communications Ministry, namely the Penal Code, the Communications and Multimedia Act, the Sedition Act, and the Printing Presses and Publications Act," he said during Question Time in Parliament on Tuesday (July 29). Meanwhile, Aaron said that from 2023 to July this year, the MCMC identified 11,967 pieces of 3R-related content. "Out of that amount, a total of 7,673 pieces of 3R content have been taken down," said Aaron. Aaron stated that the prerogative to take action on 3R content lies with the Communications Ministry through MCMC. "While the National Unity Ministry does not have direct enforcement powers, this ministry plays an important role through a reformative approach, intervention, mediation, and awareness to address sensitive issues involving religion, race, and statements filled with hatred," he added. Aaron said his ministry is monitoring 3R statements through the National Community Complaints Network System (Rakan), where complaints will be channelled to the relevant enforcement authorities for immediate action. Besides that, Aaron mentioned that the ministry has a Unity Issue Management Committee covering 12 Ministries and agencies to coordinate immediate action on issues affecting unity. "The ministry also developed a unity analysis dashboard on a digital board to identify high-risk hotspots for racial or religious tensions. "This information is used to plan and implement targeted intervention programs in the community," he said. Aaron also added that his ministry has implemented the "Cakap baik-baik" campaign, which aims at educating the community to be more courteous when communicating online. According to Aaron, his ministry has successfully resolved several incidents through the reform approach, including a controversial incident in February this year where a corn seller was fined for displaying a sign insulting the Indian community. "The issue was mediated by two Rukun Tetangga leaders, who acted as a middleman in reducing tensions," added Aaron. In February, a corn seller was fined RM400 by the Magistrate's Court for displaying a sign insulting the Indian community.
The Sun
5 days ago
- The Sun
Accountability matters in age of influence
AMID growing concern over attention-seeking stunts and misleading digital content, the Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (Content Forum) is calling for greater accountability from influencers and content creators across platforms. Influence does not just attract followers, it can activate real emotions, real reactions, and sometimes, real consequences. While many create to entertain or inform, others may use their platforms to provoke, manipulate or even weaponise their audience. Misleading narratives, staged scenarios and undisclosed promotions can lead to confusion, distress or trigger public reactions far beyond the screen. In some cases, influence is used not just to gain attention, but to attack, deceive or deflect accountability. When content crosses into that territory, the damage is no longer digital, it becomes real. Understanding the line between content and conduct While storytelling is a vital part of digital creativity, creators must distinguish between entertainment and manipulation. When content mimics crisis, danger or trauma – without context or disclosure – audiences are drawn into a version of reality that may not exist. Accountability does not end online – law still applies Examples from around the world have shown that digital stunts – whether faking emergencies, impersonating officials or creating dangerous public scenes – can and do result in prosecution. In Malaysia, acts that mislead or alarm the public may fall under laws addressing public mischief, misuse of communication networks or false reporting. Integrity is real currency of influence; not controversy Content Forum is an industry forum registered under the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and designated by the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 to oversee and promote self-regulation of content over the electronic networked medium. The Content Forum consists of key players in the content industry, such as advertisers, advertising agencies, broadcasters, content creators/distributors, audiotext hosting service providers, advertising agencies, internet service providers and civic groups. As Malaysia's self-regulatory body under the Communications and Multimedia Act, the Content Forum represents a broad spectrum of stakeholders – from platforms and broadcasters to advertisers, creatives and civil society. Members agree that the long-term health of the content ecosystem depends on creators who understand the difference between attention and integrity. What the public can do Viewers are encouraged to engage critically with what they see online: • Pause before sharing: Ask yourself if the content is factual, exaggerated or harmful. • Question motives: Is this post informing or just provoking a reaction? • Don't reward dishonesty: Avoid boosting content that plays on fear or falsehood. • Report responsibly: Use platform tools to flag content that deceives or endangers. • Expect better: Hold creators to higher standards – for both creativity and credibility. Content Forum has joined the Priority Flagger programme across both Google and YouTube to reinforce Malaysia's efforts in creating a safer digital environment in Malaysia. The Priority Flagger Programme was introduced as a way for participating local government agencies and non-governmental organisations to flag potentially harmful or problematic content on certain Google products and services. Due to their specialised industry knowledge across a variety of subject matters, these organisations have a higher degree of accuracy when flagging violative content. Operating under the purview of the MCMC, the Content Forum serves as a self-regulatory industry body promoting responsible content practices across electronic networked media. As part of the Priority Flagger programme, Content Forum will extend its expertise to help identify potentially policy-violating content across YouTube and Google, taking into consideration local cultural contexts. As a participating organisation, they will gain access to a dedicated intake channel to inform Google of potential policy violations, which will be prioritised for review, as well as participate in discussions and feedback about Google and YouTube content policies. Google government affairs and public policy manager for Malaysia and Indonesia Arianne Santoso (left) and Content Forum CEO Mediha Mahmood commemorate the onboarding of Content Forum into its Google and YouTube Priority Flagger Programs.
Sinar Daily
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Sinar Daily
Police report lodged over scam video using AI-generated images of King
The video appears to show Sultan Ibrahim giving a speech regarding an offer of financial assistance to Malaysians and urging people experiencing financial hardship to contact a person named 'Datuk Zulkarnain'. 22 Jul 2025 09:01am King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim. Photo by Bernama KUALA LUMPUR - Police have received a police report about a 32-second video using images of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia generated by artificial intelligence (AI). Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said the video, which can be accessed via the TikTok account @DATUKZULKARNAIN77, is believed to have been produced using AI technology and was most likely part of a scam. Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa. Photo by Bernama "The video appears to show Sultan Ibrahim giving a speech regarding an offer of financial assistance to Malaysians and urging people experiencing financial hardship to contact a person named 'Datuk Zulkarnain'. "The police stress that the content of the video is fake and is believed to have been produced using AI technology,' he said in a statement. An investigation is ongoing under Section 419 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act, he added. - BERNAMA
The Sun
22-07-2025
- The Sun
Police report lodged over AI scam video using King's fake images
KUALA LUMPUR: Police have confirmed receiving a report regarding a 32-second video circulating on TikTok that uses AI-generated images of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia. The video, found on the account @DATUKZULKARNAIN77, is suspected to be part of a fraudulent scheme. Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa stated that the clip falsely portrays Sultan Ibrahim announcing financial aid for Malaysians in distress. The video directs viewers to contact an individual named 'Datuk Zulkarnain,' raising immediate red flags. 'The content is fabricated and likely created using AI technology,' Rusdi clarified in an official statement. Authorities are actively investigating the case under Section 419 of the Penal Code (cheating by impersonation) and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act (misuse of network facilities). The public is urged to remain vigilant against such scams, especially those involving manipulated media. Police advise verifying any suspicious financial offers through official channels before responding. - Bernama
