IPOH: Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad has advised young people not to spread slander or fake news via instant messaging and social media platforms.
He said this is essential to preserve national harmony and peace.
He said every individual has a responsibility to safeguard the country's peace.
He added that many Muslims worldwide do not have the opportunity to break their fast in a tranquil atmosphere due to the threat of war.
"I often remind people that we have mobile phones in our pockets... but I say, in those phones, there are bullets and there is poison.
"When we open WhatsApp, we must ensure the content is accurate.
"Do not spread slander. Always verify information before sharing it. If it is not true, do not forward it," he said.
He urged young people to be a compassionate group, to act as peacemakers and to be forgiving.
He said this in his speech at a breaking-of-fast event with young people at Dataran Ipoh on Sunday (March 15).
Saarani also reminded the public to avoid fighting among themselves, adding that they should value the peace Malaysia is enjoying.
"The people of Iran may not want war, but the United States fights them.
"The Palestinians do not want war, but Israel fights them.
"In Malaysia, nobody is at war with us, so we must not fight among ourselves," he added.
