PETALING JAYA: Creating and spreading fake news in the midst of a global crisis is an act of betrayal against the country and its people, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, following Israeli and United States' attacks on Iran, had triggered wider regional instability, disrupted supply chains and pushed up global energy prices, with spillover effects now being felt at home.
The impact, he warned, would not be short-lived.
“The situation will worsen before it can be restored, and it will take a much longer time,” he said, adding that it was no longer business as usual for Malaysia or the rest of the world.
Against this backdrop, Anwar described the deliberate spread of false information on fuel and electricity prices as particularly irresponsible.
He said those who continue to circulate such claims are effectively toying with people’s livelihoods in order to gain cheap political advantage.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has so far detected 96 pieces of fake content related to fuel and electricity prices on social media platforms.
Anwar said the Government had no choice but to instruct the police and MCMC to take firm action against those involved.
He urged Malaysians to be more discerning, to verify information before sharing it, and to rely on credible sources when assessing the situation.
“I again call on the people to choose and filter news carefully, to seek accurate facts, to monitor the situation together and to take steps to protect our families, our communities and our country,” he said in the special briefing on Wednesday (April 1).
The Prime Minister also reminded the wealthy and the elite not to behave as if they were untouched by the hardship facing ordinary Malaysians.
He said that displays of extravagance at a time when many farmers, fishermen and workers were still struggling would only deepen resentment.
Anwar thanked those who had heeded the call for more modest Aidilfitri celebrations and said empathy and restraint from those in higher positions were crucial as the nation faces a long and uncertain recovery.
