THE rapid spread of information - and misinformation - on social media can often lend credibility to unverified claims, particularly concerning health emergencies.
Recently, social media posts claiming that mpox were detected in Penang have triggered considerable alarm. The anxiety is understandable, given the potential severity of such outbreaks.
Is the claim true?
Verdict:
FALSE
In a statement, Penang health committee chairman Daniel Gooi denied the claims circulating online suggesting that the infection had been detected in Penang.
"I have sought and received confirmation from the state Health Department that these mpox case reports are unfounded," Gooi said on Wednesday (August 28).
He urged the public not to spread unverified information that could incite panic and advised everyone to seek out accurate updates on the mpox situation from the Health Department and Health Ministry's official channels.
"I checked with the state Health Department to confirm that this news is false. I would like to appeal to the public not to spread unauthenticated information to avoid causing public fear," he said in a statement on Wednesday (Aug 28).
Gooi said verified information on the mpox situation can be obtained through the official websites of the state Health Department and the Health Ministry.
"The Health Ministry has taken active actions to update us on the latest situation when it comes to mpox symptoms.
"There is even an mpox operations room formed since August 16 (2024) to monitor and prevent its spread as announced by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad," he said.
Following the World Health Organization's declaration of mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern for the second time in two years, Gooi reassured the public that the Ministry has intensified its readiness to combat the disease.
The public is encouraged to remain composed and pay attention to authoritative information from the Health Ministry and the state Health Department.
Last week, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said that there is a need for authenticity when sharing information about mpox on social media, suggesting the public verify facts with the relevant ministries if the sources are dubious.
Fahmi also recommended that the public contact the Health Ministry directly with any queries or concerns regarding the credibility of information, especially on health matters such as mpox.
"In instances where information is falsely attributed to the Ministry, especially through messaging platforms like WhatsApp, it is essential to check its authenticity. In this case, the Health Ministry has denied it," said Fahmi.
