Urban Well-being, Housing and Local Government Minister Abdul Rahman Dahlan is concerned that the use of social media can do more harm than good in the future.
Abdul Rahman said too much dubious information, including elements of defamation, incitement and accusations were spread through the social media including Facebook, that could cause trouble.
Citing the recent incident at Low Yat Plaza in Kuala Lumpur, Abdul Rahman said the dispute was between the mobile phone dealer and the buyer, but the whole incident was manipulated as a racial issue by irresponsible people giving an inaccurate perspective via the social media and triggering a big fight.
“We have to figure out ways to control the social media because it is feared that it can do far more harm than good,” he said at the breaking of fast and distribution of tithes at Masjid Pekan Kota Belud last night.
Abdul Rahman, however, said the government did not want and did not intend to control or restrict the use of social media as it was an alternative channel for delivering valid information.
Nevertheless the Member of Parliament for Kota Belud reminded people, especially in Sabah, to use social media in a rational and mature manner and not to easily accept or believe whatever was being spread around.
- Bernama
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