Comms Ministry to help debunk misinformation triggering panic buying

KULAI: The Communications and Digital Ministry will work together with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister to debunk misinformation that triggers panic buying, says Teo Nie Ching.

The Deputy Communications and Digital Minister said that this includes supporting efforts in the campaign to monitor the supply of basic goods such as rice.

“It is important for us to distribute the right information to the public to avoid panic buying, which may have been the reason for shortage of certain goods in some places,” said Teo.

“I believe this (panic buying) is just a temporary phenomena and the Communications and Digital Ministry will assist the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister in ensuring the public receive the right message,” she added.

She said this to reporters when met at Pasar Tani Jalan Merbau, Bandar Putra after handing over 120 tents to traders on Saturday (Sept 23).

Teo also urged the public to lodge a report with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) if they come across such misinformation.

“So far, the MCMC has yet to receive any reports on the matter, but we encourage the public to reach out if they come across such misinformation so that further actions could be taken,” she said.

Asked if the MCMC has received a report from Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Minister Fuziah Salleh on a viral video, she said that no report has been made so far.

“I was informed that she has made a police report. As such, we leave it to the police to investigate the matter,” she said.

On Thursday (Sept 21), Fuziah’s special officer Aidil Haryman Mat Nor reportedly file a police report at the Kuantan district police headquarters about a viral video related to the price of goods involving Fuziah.

Aidil reportedly said the original video, which was made earlier this year, was aimed at showing price comparisons between the Mobile Rahmah Sales with a local supermarket in Langkawi, Kedah, and was not the entire monthly provision for one family.

He added that the video had been edited by irresponsible parties and spread by individuals with the intention of humiliating Fuziah and angering the public.