THE Communications and Multimedia Ministry is refining its efforts to address online fraud and the spread of fake news by engaging with private companies to curb the problem.

Deputy Minister Zahidi Zainul Abidin said the involvement of the private companies will provide cybersecurity services to protect users’ personal data.

“Currently, at the ministry level, we are in talks with several companies to realise this cooperation by introducing a payment gateway fee where a small fee is likely to be charged on any online purchase, but it is still under discussion,” he told reporters after launching the Penang Women Going Digital programme here today.

He said that the move was seen to be able to curb online fraud cases as well as to protect against any intrusion of users’ data and personal information by irresponsible parties.

“The fee that will be imposed on consumers is very small, for example, for online purchase of RM1,000, about 0.02% or 20 sen will be charged.

He said that with the fee, apart from preventing any intrusion of personal data, it could also curb cases of online frauds or scams.

On the issue of fake news, he said a total of 266 investigation papers have been opened, with 30 individuals already charged in court.

“It shows that the proactive measures implemented by the government through the Sebenarnya.my portal as well as the fast-moving team under the ministry in providing true and authentic information to the community, to some extent, has curbed the spread of fake news,” he said.

Zahidi also said internet usage among Malaysians currently stands at 26.69 million.

“The increase in internet usage is at 3.1 million compared with last year,” he said, adding that initiatives to reduce the digital divide between rural and urban areas have been increased. – Bernama, August 8, 2020.