Minister hits out at 'fake news', launches Jakim's anti-fitnah campaign

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Idris Ahmad has condemned fake news as immoral and a danger to society.

He said such activities are what the Religious Affairs Department (Jakim) seeks to stamp out through its "Stop fitnah (slander) on social media" campaign.

"This initiative is very apt because we want to ensure that society gets the right information or news that is authentic and true.

"Immoral activities on social media, such as news reports that are fake and sometimes recycled, aim to spark hatred and anger among society," Idris said on Facebook last night.

He expressed concern that spreading falsehoods on social media would become cancer that affects future generations.

As such, Idris said social media users today must break the chain and save future generations from the harmful effects of slander.

‘Media players must do their part’

He also called on the media to do its part.

"This virtuous effort would not have any impact if there is no cooperation among media players.

"Let us join forces to stop slander on social media, and may it be eradicated," the minister added.

Jakim, in explaining the campaign, said it would be using teachings from the Quran and hadith (actions and sayings of Prophet Muhammad) to raise awareness about the dangers of spreading slander.

It urged the public to support the campaign by using the hashtag  #hentikanfitnahdimediasosial on their online postings and to use the campaign logo as their WhatsApp profile picture.

The department also produced a public service announcement video featuring Idris and some celebrities speaking against slander.

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