When it comes to texts, if you can’t verify, bury it

IT takes only a second to hit “forward” on a text message, but the damage that text could potentially cause can last much longer.

It could even be the domino that falls and takes down an entire economy in the process.

As conflict continues to spread across the Middle East and send shockwaves through the global economy, Malaysia is feeling the heat.

But while the literal missiles are thousands of miles away, a different kind of war is being fought right here on our screens – the war of misinformation.

We’ve noticed that, lately, our family and community chat groups have been hit by waves of “breaking news” about sudden, massive fuel price hikes, about electricity bills set to skyrocket.

These aren’t just harmless typos; they are deliberate fakes. Some malicious entities have gone as far as pasting in the logos of trusted news outlets or government departments to trick you into believing the lies.

We all want to be the one to warn our loved ones – about price hikes, about conflict news, about economic reactions – but in these tense times, an unverified alert isn’t a favour, it’s misinformation at the least and downright sedition at worst.

Because with this type of fake news, panic can set in. When people are alarmed about fuel, they rush to the pumps. This can trigger hoarding, disrupt supply chains and make an already stressed economy even harder to manage.

Let’s call it what it is: economic sabotage.

And the authorities are no longer just issuing warnings; they are cracking down.

Recently, several people were charged with the Communications and Multimedia Act for spreading lies about fuel and electricity tariffs.

These individuals are now facing massive fines and the very real possibility of jail time.

The government is sending a clear message: Your digital footprint is permanent, and “I was just sharing” is not an acceptable defence.

We need to stop being so trigger-happy with the forward button. If a headline is designed to make your blood boil or your heart race, it’s probably bait.

Take a breath. Check official portals like government agencies or a reliable source such as TheStar.com.my or any major news portal.

In a world particularly full of noise right now, let’s be the ones who bring the calm. If you can’t verify it, bury it. Think before you forward. It’s the least we can do for each other.