Practise Tabayyun, Verify News Before Sharing - Zulkifli

PUTRAJAYA, April 12 (Bernama) -- Malaysians have been urged to uphold the principle of ‘tabayyun’ (seeking the truth) and verify information before sharing or disseminating any news content, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Zulkifli Hasan said.

In a Facebook post today, he expressed concern over the actions of certain individuals spreading false information using various tactics and methods.

“Today, I received several screenshots claiming that the government had sent 329,000 barrels of diesel to the Philippines. Some have even cleverly spread this false news in the form of questions, pretending to ask and so on.

“They know and understand that the information is untrue, yet allow it to be accompanied by insults and abuse and shared without limits. More concerning is that some religious figures are also engaging in such behaviour,” he said.

Despite corrections being made with accurate information, many still cling to the false claims and continue to use inappropriate and offensive language, Zulkifli added. 

“Let us all verify facts before sharing them, in line with the command of Allah SWT. Let us increase our acts of worship and avoid futile matters. Practise tabayyun and verify news before sharing!

“Sharing verified information brings reward, while spreading false news brings sin. Increase good deeds and avoid sinful acts,” he said.

Late yesterday, the National Economic Action Council (MTEN) confirmed that the 329,000 barrels of diesel recently delivered to the Philippines did not originate from Malaysia, contrary to international media reports.

In a statement, MTEN’s crisis management team advised the public against speculation and urged reliance on official government sources.

Philippine media had reported that about 329,000 barrels, or 52.311 million litres, of diesel from Malaysia had been shipped to the country to boost fuel supply amid global market uncertainties.

-- BERNAMA