SEPARATING fact from fiction is the challenge facing readers in the digital age, said Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The prime minister warned that unfiltered and unverified content can harm society.

“What’s worrying is that there are so many sources now that online platforms have become a place to spread fake news and other materials that can cause damage to society,” he said at the launch of the National Reading Decade programme at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in Bangi this morning.

“Here lies the challenge for readers today, to differentiate between truths and falsehoods.”

Dr Mahathir, who is also acting education minister, said traditional reading materials, such as newspapers and books, are going out of style.

Many newspaper companies have had to close up shop because of poor sales, he said.

“However, this doesn’t mean that people have stopped reading. What has changed is the platform. These days, almost all newspapers have an online presence. Books, too, are being digitally published.

“In this respect, reading remains a culture.”

As of today, there have been 21 reports lodged over fake news on Covid-19 infections in Malaysia.

On February 6, a santan seller was charged at the Kuala Terengganu magistrates’ court with posting unverified information on the virus.

A day earlier, a reporter claimed trial at the Kuala Lumpur magistrates’ court to three charges of making statements that could disrupt public peace in relation to the outbreak.

The latest to be charged is an individual from Sandakan, Sabah. – February 13, 2020.