KUCHING: Media practitioners and government communicators must respond proactively to the growing spread of “half-cooked” news with timely, verified reporting to preserve public trust in today’s increasingly complex digital landscape.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol, said the pursuit of online engagement had fuelled the spread of sensational and unverified content, making it increasingly difficult to counter misinformation.
While many content creators used their platforms to foster community spirit, share knowledge, and uplift society, he said others relied on sensationalism and incomplete information in pursuit of online attention.
“Many content creators bring highly positive messages, using their reach to foster community spirit, share knowledge, and uplift society.
“But we must be honest about the flip side. In the race for attention, others rely on highly inappropriate content, toxic sensationalism, and ‘half-cooked’ news.
“Armed with nothing more than a smartphone and a thirst for likes, these self-proclaimed public reporters broadcast live to millions, stripping stories of context and driving emotional outrage rather than verified facts,” he said.
He said this when delivering his keynote address titled ‘Truth in the Age of Viral Outrage: Reclaiming Trust and Governance’ at the third Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) here today.
Abdullah said the rapid evolution of digital platforms had transformed the role of journalists, who now faced an uphill battle to correct misinformation against algorithms that rewarded engagement over authenticity.
He said the challenge made it increasingly important to balance freedom of speech with responsibility, particularly in safeguarding social harmony in a multiracial society.
“True freedom of speech cannot exist without a corresponding sense of responsibility. It must coexist with our core national values.
“As guardians of public information, our ultimate North Star must remain the Rukun Negara,” he added.
Abdullah said legislation alone would not be enough to tackle digital misinformation.
As such, he urged journalists and government communicators to adopt proactive, structured crisis communication while delivering timely, verified information to the public.
“Our response to ‘half-cooked’ news cannot be slow, defensive or bureaucratic. We must master the art of proactive, structured crisis communication.
“We must utilise the Online Safety Act as a structural tool to hold tech giants accountable, while stepping up our own speed to deliver fully baked, ironclad facts to the public,” he said.
