In a significant move to safeguard its citizens from the rising threat of online scams and misinformation, Malaysia has successfully blocked close to two billion suspicious calls and 581 million dubious SMS messages.
Key Highlights:
- Malaysia blocks nearly two billion suspicious calls and over half a billion suspicious SMS with telco collaboration.
- From 2020 to April 2023, the ministry received 8,499 public complaints related to fraudulent activities.
- Malaysia focuses on “prevention and protection” to manage misinformation.
- Task forces and fact-checking websites, such as Sebenarnya.my and MyCheck Malaysia, have been established to combat fake news.
- The 16th Amri conference emphasizes the evolution of media and the importance of converting information into knowledge.
This achievement was made possible through collaborations with telecommunication service providers, as revealed by Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
During the period from 2020 to April 2023, the ministry registered a total of 8,499 public complaints pertaining to fraudulent activities. In the same timeframe, a commendable 3,370 phishing sites were successfully blocked, showcasing the nation’s commitment to online safety.
Addressing the 16th Conference of Asean Ministers Responsible for Information (Amri) in Da Nang, Fahmi emphasized Malaysia’s two-pronged strategy in managing misinformation, namely “prevention and protection.” He stated, “We are heavily invested in educating and empowering the public with online knowledge and tools to protect themselves.”
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To further combat the spread of fake news, Malaysia has established a dedicated task force comprising various agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Police, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), and the Attorney General Chambers. This initiative aims to foster inter-agency coordination to manage unverified news on new media platforms.
Highlighting the success of Malaysia’s fact-checking websites, Fahmi mentioned Sebenarnya.my, which garners an average of 4.8 million hits monthly, making it the nation’s most effective fact-checking platform. Such platforms enable the Malaysian public to cross-reference information and report any false data.
The rapid advancement of new media underscores the importance of ensuring that information disseminated to the public is both reliable and accurate. Misinformation can have detrimental effects on individuals, communities, and nations at large.
Reflecting on the theme of the 16th Amri conference, “Media: From Information To Knowledge For A Resilient And Responsive Asean,” Fahmi highlighted the evolution of media. He emphasized the pivotal role media plays in converting information into actionable knowledge, aligning with the Asean Communications Master Plan II 2018-2025 (ACMP II).
During the recent Asean Digital Minister’s Meeting, the possibility of establishing a working group to address misinformation, disinformation, and fake news was discussed and unanimously accepted.
Malaysia’s proactive measures in the realm of online safety and misinformation management are commendable. The nation’s dedication to creating awareness, especially among the younger generation, is evident through various initiatives, ensuring a safer online environment for all.
