KUALA LUMPUR: The government is looking into the possibility of introducing a new legislation or a parliamentary committee to curb misuse of the social media.
Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo said as it is now, if left unaddressed, social media can cause uncontrolled spread of hatred and extremist ideologies.
Gobing said the time is right for such a system to be created to ensure the spread of false information would not be too rampant to the extent of causing disharmony and chaos.
“The government is looking into several proposals, not only to have new legislation but also on how we can create an industry where there is a regulation to ensure that before any report can be spread on social media, there will be a system to ascertain whether it is a factual or false report.
“This will take some time. When it’s ready, we will call a press conference to announce our decision whether there will be a new bill to be tabled at the Parliament. Just give us a little time,” he said at Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam)-Media programme here yesterday.
Also present were Suhakam chairman Tan Sri Razali Ismail and Media and Communications Adviser in the Prime Minister’s Office Datuk A Kadir Jasin. – Bernama
