PETALING JAYA: Netizens should practice self-regulation when using the social media, Communications And Multimedia Content Forum Of Malaysia (CMCF) said today.
Its chairman Datuk Ahmad Izham Omar said in this era where people have more access to news on social media, the tendency to misuse the platform is also high.
"Netizens have the tendency to misuse the social media, believing more on news featured on the platform rather than those verified by mainstream news agencies.
He said those who share or disseminate fake news on social media should be aware of the consequences.
"Sharing and posting unverified news on social media not only confuse the people but it can be a threat to national security. This is because most of the time, fake news that are being shared online can spark racial tension," he said.
Izham said to curb this, parents need to play a role by educating their children on social media ethics.
"Parents need to teach their children to practice self-regulation and exhibit exemplary civic consciousness when they are online," he said.
It was also made known that throughout last year, CMCF had received 395 reports on social media misconduct which included the dissemination of fake news.
"Out of that, 263 of the reports received involved fake news and we need to address this issue," he said.
CMCF has also urged netizens to apply the 3R concept - research, responsible and report any fake news.
Meanwhile, CMCF executive director Mohd Mustaffa Fazil Mohd Abdan said previously, CMCF had launched several awareness campaigns including the 'What You Do Stick With You' programme.
"Our latest campaign, 'Di Sebalik Wajah.com.my' aims to create awareness on the consequences of spreading fake news online," he said.
Mustaffa said CMCF also participated in the 'Sebenarnya.my' campaign organised by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
"Throughout the series of tour, we aim to offer explanation and raise awareness on the importance of self-regulation."