TODAY, we were hit with the shocking news that the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) building in Petaling Jaya was burning.

Yes, I say “burning” because as the flames licked the building, social media was also aflame with not just news on the building on fire, but pictures and video feeds as well. As the building burned.

People travelling along the Federal Highway, no doubt congested due to the fire, were taking videos and pictures, and sending them via WhatsApp and social media platforms.

Hot on the heels of these pictures were comments and jokes about how our EPF savings were up in flames.

Some even felt it was prudent to make a reference to the EPF dividend declaration announced just three days ago, insinuating that the dividend payout would not be available to members since the building was up in flames.

Then, there was other “news” that alluded to an “official announcement” by EPF that due to the fire, all withdrawals would be withheld for six months while its IT systems were being repaired.

There were a lot of other jokes about confidential and sensitive documents being burnt or purged, and fake news was being circulated as well.

Well done, Malaysia. Well done, Malaysians.

While the building burned, you were all more intent on circulating fake news than worrying about the fate of the people in the building.

You were more intent on worrying about whether your savings are affected or the integrity of data and IT systems than the lives of people.

It does not take a genius to realise that EPF is one of the most IT-savvy agencies around. The simple fact that your EPF records and statements are available online will tell you this.

You would also know that most, if not all, companies and agencies that have IT systems have a disaster recovery system in place that enables them to get back into operation within a day or two.

It is sad to see how myopic and negative we have become as a people, that every disaster is looked at as a means to make a joke or belittle the country.

The fire was obviously a big one, as it was reported that 40% of the building was engulfed in flames. And yet, hardly a social media message expressed concern about the safety and welfare of the people in the building.

We, as a people, seem to be more concerned about the amount of sugar in Milo. There was certainly a lot of fuss and kerfuffle on social media about how dangerous Milo is and how it can kill.

Rather ironic, really, that we seem to be more concerned about Milo than we are about the safety and welfare of people trapped in a burning building.

Making jokes and conspiracy theories seems to be more important, too, than the potential loss of lives and a building on fire.

I’m just thankful that there were no casualties reported, and that the fire was put out.

Bravo once again, Malaysians. – February 13, 2018.

* Dharm Navaratnam reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.