The Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is investigating 76 cases of fake news and information dissemination this year.

MCMC network security, new media monitoring, compliance and advocacy sector chief officer Fadhlullah Suhaimi Abdul Malek said five cases had been brought to court.

He said enforcement alone was not enough to curb the issue.

“Consumer cooperation is very important and in fact it is the primary factor to combat the matter,” he said at the Click Wisely Exploration Programme organised by MCMC Unikop which was opened by Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman here today.

Fadhlullah (photo) said the fast dissemination of fake news online was one of the critical global problems recognised by World Economic Forum in a study conducted in 2014.   

He said the government also viewed the issue seriously as the proliferation of fake news and information as well as slander – including leaking government secrets – was seen as threatening the harmony of the multiracial and multi-religious people in the country.

Therefore, he said all internet users have to be responsible for equipping themselves with the ability to access, analyse and evaluate any content browsed or received.  

According to him, these skills would help to question the authenticity of the information, writer and motive and to become proactive consumers.

- Bernama