KUALA LUMPUR: Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh today urged news columnists to verify their facts before publishing stories.
"Of late, many columnists have treated hearsay as factual news. For example, they reported rumours about Taylor Swift's visit as if they were confirmed, leading people to share this misinformation as if it were true," she said in the Dewan Rakyat.
"Hence, I strongly recommend that columnists contact the ministry to confirm their information before going ahead with publication," she said, in reply to Chong Zhemin (PH-Kampar).
Chong asked about a report by a news portal that Malaysia may lose out on hosting next year's Formula E-Prix final even though it had the event "within its grasp".
Yeoh said this was not the first time that the portal reported such news.
She said the Motorsports Association of Malaysia will be issuing a statement on the Formula E-Prix.
To a separate question from Chong about the hosting of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, Yeoh said the Cabinet is expected to discuss the matter next week.
"I do not want to preempt the cabinet discussion. Many quarters have provided their views.
"I can assure you that this government is very responsible," she said, adding any money spent will benefit the country.
Questions over the 2026 Commonwealth Games have been raised after the Australian state of Victoria pulled out from hosting it due to high costs involving billions of dollars.
The Victoria government reportedly agreed to pay AUD380 million for breach of contract for failing to host the games.
Several parties including Sports Commissioner Suhardi Alias, have voiced opposition to proposals for Malaysia to host the games, citing the cost of doing so.