Exercise caution, think before sharing, Comms Minister urges social media users

KUALA LUMPUR: Social media users should exercise caution before sharing any posting that has the potential to cause concern among certain quarters, reminds Fahmi Fadzil.

"This is something we as social media and internet users need to understand; not everything we say is good, and we should think twice before sharing.

"It is because we don’t want to share anything that could cause distress to victims' families, so we should exercise caution,” the Communications and Digital Minister told reporters after officiating a chess competition organised by the Lembah Pantai Senior Citizens Activity Centre here Saturday (Aug 19).

He said this when asked to comment on the spread of a video depicting a victim in the plane crash tragedy near Bandar Elmina, Shah Alam, Selangor, on Thursday (Aug 17).

Fahmi also expressed his dismay at the lack of sympathy and empathy displayed by some social media users towards the victims’ families.

"I am very saddened, not only by the incident but also by our attitude; there must be a limit, not only in 3R issues but also in the issue of manners, so I hope we learn from this tragic incident.

"Respect the victims’ families, think about how we would feel if we were in their shoes. Have some sympathy and empathy,” he said.

Fahmi stressed that if a police report was filed pertaining to the sharing of any form of content involving the victims, the Communications and Digital Ministry (KKD) may take action in accordance with the provisions of the existing law.

"I have not received a report from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) regarding this matter.

"But if a police report is made, I believe that there are provisions in the law for an investigation to be conducted, and if it is found that there is a violation of the law, then action will be taken,” he said.

A Beechcraft Model 390 (Premier 1) light business jet aircraft flying from Langkawi to the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang crashed at about 2.50pm on Thursday, killing the six passengers and two crew on board and a ehailing driver and delivery rider on the ground. - Benama