Alternative media practitioners, including bloggers and social website users, have been asked not to abuse the new media facility for popularity.

Sabah Assistant Finance Minister Tawfiq Abu Bakar Titingan said today they should instead be more responsible by avoiding sensitive issues related to religion and race for the sake of harmony and national security.

"For the mainstream media, they already have certain regulations to adhere to, but as for the new media, there is room for improvement, especially in terms of regulations, ethics and enforcement.

"Apart from putting them under the watchful eyes of the Malaysian

Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), I think each of these alternative media practitioners should have their own sense of awareness and responsibility," he said.

He was asked to comment on the statement by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak that the MCMC to take stern action against those who tried to create racial disputes using the alternative media.

Earlier, Tawfiq, who is also Tawau Umno chief, presented Aidilfitri aid to over 300 community and Tawau Umno leaders, here.

- Bernama