KULAI: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is investigating 17 individuals believed to have spread fake information on social media regarding the global energy crisis.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said the individuals included those identified to have edited pictures and infographics displaying fake information using the names of local news agencies.
"...there are those who edited pictures from TV3 or Astro and stated that the price of petrol and electricity will rise, but the total and the information in the pictures are all wrong," she said during the officiation of the Film Community and Creative Youth Workshop here on Friday (April 3).
She said the global energy crisis not only had an impact on Malaysia but also the entire world, with some countries implementing work from home measures for civil servants.
"There are countries where petrol stations are closed because petrol has run out. This is a challenge that Malaysia is not facing alone, but affects the whole world," she added.
Teo noted that while Malaysia had its own oil resources, the total was inadequate to fulfil the country’s needs.
She said 38% of the country’s oil needs come from crude going through the Straits of Hormuz.
She expressed hope that the public, especially youth, would play their role in disseminating accurate information by creating content that educates the public.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who is also Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, previously reminded all parties not to spread unverified information that could confuse the public.
He stressed that the government was committed to continuing to channel the latest information transparently about the current situation on the global energy price and supply crisis.
He said this would ensure the public had a clear picture without causing unnecessary concern. - Bernama
