Latest news with #MalaysianTamilMediaOrganisation
The Sun
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Nearly 500 media practitioners aided by Tabung Kasih@HAWANA fund
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 478 media practitioners nationwide have benefited from the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA fund, receiving RM1.3 million in aid so far. Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching highlighted the initiative's role in assisting both active and former media professionals facing financial difficulties. She noted that 56 recipients were from the Tamil media sector. 'Applications for assistance can be submitted through the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA secretariat or directly via my office,' she said during the Malaysian Tamil Media Organisation's 2025 annual general meeting. Launched in 2023 during National Journalists' Day (HAWANA), the fund covers financial aid, medical expenses, and family support. Teo emphasised the MADANI Government's dedication to safeguarding journalists' welfare and recognising their contributions. She also revealed that the newly approved Malaysian Media Council (MMC) will hold its first meeting in November. 'The council must represent all media types once established,' she added. Teo encouraged Tamil media members to enrol in AI courses offered by the Tun Abdul Razak Institute of Broadcasting and Information (IPPTAR). IPPTAR has expanded its training to include media professionals and the public, with 80 courses planned for this year. As of July 31, 57 courses have been completed, involving 4,384 participants, including 16 AI-related sessions attended by 814 individuals. 'Tamil media remains a crucial cultural bridge and voice for the Indian community,' Teo concluded. - Bernama
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Teo: Media plays vital role in curbing fake news –
KUALA LUMPUR: The role of media practitioners, particularly journalists, is becoming increasingly important in curbing the spread of fake news, which is becoming more prevalent, especially through social media, said Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching. She said trained journalists know their roles and responsibilities as Malaysian citizens to verify the authenticity of any news, thus ensuring the public can differentiate between fake and real news. She added that, as of Aug 1, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) had requested 16,110 fake news content be taken down, which is an alarming increase compared to the 5,367 cases in 2023 and 17,245 cases in 2024. "Scammers are now increasingly clever in using artificial intelligence (AI) to generate fake videos and voices to deceive victims," she said at the launch of the 2025 Malaysian Tamil Media Organisation Annual General Meeting here. In addition, she said the public is easily duped when exposed to unverified information that is repeatedly shared across various social media platforms until it is eventually accepted as true. She cited the case of Zara Qairina Mahathir, which went viral after the Form One student died due to alleged bullying in school. "Social media was flooded with various accusations and fake information, including claims that she was put into a washing machine for two hours. Although police confirmed a few days ago that it was fake news, I believe many still think it happened. "So, this trend is unhealthy and dangerous if it is not curbed. It can cause public anxiety, especially since it is related to the safety of school students," she said. In addition, Teo said the Madani Government will continue implementing initiatives to combat fake news by introducing the Artificial Intelligence Fact-check Assistance (AIFA) chatbox by MCMC, which can analyse messages in various languages, including Malay, Mandarin and Tamil.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Journalists play important role in curbing spread of fake news
KUALA LUMPUR: The role of media practitioners, particularly journalists, is becoming increasingly important in curbing the spread of fake news, which is becoming more prevalent, especially through social media, said Deputy Minister of Communications Teo Nie Ching. She said trained journalists know their roles and responsibilities as Malaysian citizens to verify the authenticity of any news, thus ensuring the public can differentiate between fake and real news. She added that, as of Aug 1, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) had requested 16,110 fake news content be taken down, which is an alarming increase compared to the 5,367 cases in 2023 and 17,245 cases in 2024. 'Scammers are now increasingly clever in using artificial intelligence (AI) to generate fake videos and voices to deceive victims,' she said at the launch of the 2025 Malaysian Tamil Media Organisation Annual General Meeting here. In addition, she said the public is easily duped when exposed to unverified information that is repeatedly shared across various social media platforms until it is eventually accepted as true. She cited the case of Zara Qairina Mahathir, which went viral after the Form One student died due to alleged bullying in school. 'Social media was flooded with various accusations and fake information, including claims that she was put into a washing machine for two hours. Although police confirmed a few days ago that it was fake news, I believe many still think it actually happened. 'So, this trend is unhealthy and dangerous if it is not curbed. It can cause public anxiety, especially since it is related to the safety of school students,' she said. Zara Qairina was confirmed dead at the Queen Elizabeth I Hospital, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, on July 17 after being admitted to the hospital after being found unconscious in a drain near the SMKA Tun Datu Mustapha dormitory, Papar at 4 am on July 16. In addition, Teo said the MADANI Government will continue implementing initiatives to combat fake news by introducing the Artificial Intelligence Fact-check Assistance (AIFA) chatbox by MCMC, which can analyse messages in various languages, including Malay, Mandarin and Tamil. She added that as of July 31, AIFA had received 142,257 messages, averaging 769 fact-checks a day, proving its effectiveness as a rapid tool for information verification and raising digital safety awareness. - Bernama
