KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, urged the people to exercise caution when using social media.
His Majesty expressed concern over the culture of slander and online incitement to sow public confusion, discord and division.
“I am worried about the culture of lying and sedition online and on social media, which is causing confusion, discord and division among the rakyat.
“As such, the government must be firm in addressing this culture while being proactive in providing accurate and credible information,” Sultan Ibrahim said in his royal address during the opening of the First Meeting of the Fourth Session of the 15th Parliament yesterday.
His Majesty also reminded the people to be cautious and avoid becoming victims of cybercrimes.
Last December, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told the Dewan Rakyat that over RM1.22bil in losses were recorded from cybercrimes between January and October 2024, including efinance fraud, love scams, ecommerce fraud, non-existent loans and fraudulent schemes.
Sunday Star had quoted Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf as saying that almost 19,000 “investors” lost close to RM2bil over the last four years to fraudulent schemes, mainly committed through social media platforms and applications.
In line with Malaysia’s role as the Asean Chair this year, Sultan Ibrahim called for the country to demonstrate its capability in leading and determining the direction of the South-East Asian region.
“The government must also improvise strategic cooperation in tackling regional issues and border issues,” His Majesty said.
Sultan Ibrahim emphasised the importance of defending the nation’s rights and sovereignty, even if it pertains to a solitary coral in the vast ocean.
“Firm action through diplomatic, legal and defence channels must be taken to ensure the protection of the nation’s sovereign rights and interests, even if it concerns a single coral in the middle of the ocean,” the King added.His Majesty also emphasised that Malaysia must remain firm in upholding the principles of peace while opposing terrorism and oppression.
“The war in Gaza must be ended immediately and legal justice upheld,” Sultan Ibrahim said.
