KULAI: The Communications and Digital Ministry (KKD) is prepared to collaborate with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) to combat the spread of fake news regarding the local rice supply in the market, according to Teo Nie Ching.
As the Deputy Communications and Digital Minister, Teo stated that KKD has not yet received any reports of fake news or misleading information pertaining to rice shortages in the supply chain.
“The most crucial aspect is to provide the public with accurate information to prevent panic buying,” she mentioned.
According to Bernama, Teo further stated, “KKD will assist KPDN in conveying this message to the public in order to maintain control over the situation.”
If there is any false or misleading information about local rice availability, the public is encouraged to lodge complaints with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), and appropriate action will be taken.
Regarding a viral video involving Deputy KPDN Minister Fuziah Salleh and the price of goods, Teo mentioned that the MCMC has not received any reports concerning the matter.
She acknowledged that Fuziah had filed a police report in this regard.
“Let the police carry out the investigation. Thus far, we have not received any complaints regarding this matter,” Teo added.
The viral video showcased Fuziah purchasing groceries amounting to RM136.30 and expressing satisfaction that the bill was below RM200.
Meanwhile, Teo emphasized the need to strengthen the role of mainstream media in addressing cybercrime and fake news on social media.
“In this era, the media still plays a vital role due to the abundance of information on social media whose origins remain uncertain,” she remarked.
She further highlighted the reliance on mainstream media such as the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), Astro, and newspapers in combatting the issue.
On a different note, Teo, who also serves as the state DAP vice-chairman, recommended the establishment of a unity government secretariat at the state level in Johor, mirroring the setup at the federal level.
She believed that this move would further enhance the relationship between Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional.
Teo expressed, “I think the time has come for the formation of a unity government secretariat at the state level, as has been done at the federal level.
This would allow us, who are now united under the unity government, to effectively disseminate information and aspirations to the public.”
She also acknowledged the improved cooperation between Barisan and Pakatan, evident during the Pulai and Simpang Jeram by-elections.
However, no discussions about the formation of a unity government in the state government have taken place yet, including the appointment of state executive councillors among Pakatan assemblymen.
“Currently, we haven’t had that discussion, but we are open to the idea,” she asserted.
Teo explained that as the Johor government was established before the formation of the Federal Government, none of Pakatan’s assemblymen were appointed as exco members.
For now, Pakatan will serve as a check and balance for the state government, and maintaining a healthy relationship is of utmost importance,” she concluded.
She was asked if there were any proposals for the formation of a unity government at the state level.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
