False reports in new media can cause adverse effects

KUALA LUMPUR, March 5 — The spread of false reports and rumours through the new media on the fight against Sulu intruders in Sabah could cause adverse effects such as creating a negative perception that could disrupt operations.

In fact, they could result in reverse psychological effect that could aggravate the situation and dampen the morale of the security forces, said experts.

Independent criminologist Datuk Akhbar Satar, when contacted, said the dissemination of false information on social sites could affect the country’s image and the people should let the authorities do their job.

He said the spread of false information could also affect the economy as foreign investors would not dare to take risks after reading fabricated stories.

Universiti Teknologi Mara’s Communication and Media Studies Faculty current affairs analyst Prof. Dr Ismail Sualman said security issues should not be politicised as it involved not only people’s lives but also national security.

“All members of society must be patient and should not make unfounded statements,” he said, emphasising that the use of the social media could not be prevented as it was one of the democratic rights of the people.

Advisor of Strategic Communication of Malaysian Multimedia Communications Commission (SKMM) Sheikh Ahmad Raffie Sheikh Abdul Rahman said the commission was monitoring information spread through the cyber space concerning the incident in Lahad Datu.

He said anyone using the internet or telephone to spread false news could be charged under Section 233 (1) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, and upon conviction could be fined RM50,000 or jailed up to one year or both. – BERNAMA