ACTION was taken against certain news outlets because they were found to be spreading misleading information or intentionally publishing inaccurate content, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said today. 

MCMC in a statement said there had been an alarming increase in news reporting that lacked responsibility, sensibility and accuracy. 

“One of MCMC’s primary legal duties is to ensure online platforms are not used for the purpose of committing the commission or attempted commission of any offence under the written laws of Malaysia. 

“This includes taking necessary action to tackle issues such as the spread of false information, offensive content and defamation.”

It was responding to eight senior journalists who found it unacceptable that the commission was controlling what online news portals can and cannot publish. 

“Stop playing the ‘big brother’ role by injudiciously blocking media online content,” they said in a statement today. 

The journalists – Johan Jaaffar, A. Kadir Jasin, Hussamuddin Yaacob, Azman Ujang, Chamil Wariya, Yong Soo Heong, Zakaria Wahab and G. Manimaran – said they strongly disapprove of any attempt to use state apparatus such as MCMC to question, censor or block portals and online news content. 

MCMC said it is guided by the provisions of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which entrusts the commission to carry out its functions. 

It said some of the news outlets have behaved in an irresponsible manner, spreading misleading information or intentionally publishing inaccurate content. 

“The rise of converged media, where user-generated content gains traction and ethical reporting takes a back seat, has accentuated this problem.

“With the vast amount of information available online, it becomes challenging to distinguish between fact and fiction.”

It said that this poses a significant threat to societal harmony, as misleading information can be easily propagated and false narratives can be created. 

“MCMC has been taking the initiative to hold dialogues and meetings with news outlets in addressing outstanding concerns and issues.  

“To combat these issues, MCMC remains resolute in executing its regulatory obligation to ensure the integrity of information and maintain societal harmony.” – August 29, 2023.