Communications Ministry Drafting Legal Frameworks, Policies To Strengthen Media Literacy
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- The Communications Ministry is in the process of drafting several new legal frameworks and policies, including the Anti-Fake News Act, ethical guidelines for social media influencers, and a framework for artificial intelligence (AI) in the media sector.
Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the biggest challenge today is the phenomenon of misinformation and disinformation, which not only pollute the information landscape but also threaten social harmony and national security.
“The Ipsos Digital 2025 report shows that Malaysians spend an average of eight hours a day online, making us among the most active internet users in the region. However, with this digital freedom comes great responsibility.
“The Ministry of Communications received more than 15,000 complaints related to harmful content, fake news, and cybercrime last year alone.
“This proves that media literacy and responsible communication are no longer optional – they are basic necessities for the survival of our digital society,” he said at the 19th Biennial International Conference on Media and Communications (MENTION2025) organised by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) here today.
The text of his speech was read out by Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa.
Fahmi said the ministry has also adopted the Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) approach in several important national campaigns through various initiatives.
He said that in the context of public health, the public witnessed how strategic communication played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in increasing vaccination rates among communities.
“On environmental sustainability issues, awareness campaigns on solid waste management and the reduction of single-use plastics have shown significant behavioural changes.
“In the aspect of national unity, inclusive and culturally sensitive media narratives have helped strengthen the fabric of our plural society,” he said.
Fahmi also outlined five critical focus areas to strengthen Malaysia’s media and communication landscape in line with the Malaysia MADANI agenda, namely media and digital literacy among young generation, intercultural communication in the context of plural Malaysia, strengthening health communication, recognising the role of youth in advocacy and social change, as well as cooperation between government, academia, the media industry, and civil society.
MENTION2025, now in its 19th edition, gathers more than 80 participants and presenters, including academics, media and communication practitioners, policymakers and community representatives from Malaysia and abroad.
With the theme ‘Media and Communication for Change: Advancing Societal Transformation and Well-being’, the conference highlights SBCC as a catalyst for positive transformation in society.
-- BERNAMA
