KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 — A total of 464 pieces of false content related to the global supply crisis were identified between March 29 and April 30, said Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching.

She said 312 of the items had been successfully taken down.

“In addition, 65 investigation papers were opened, with 15 cases referred to the Attorney-General’s Chambers while others remain under investigation,” she said in her speech when opening the Hawana 2026 Media Forum here today.

Also present were Communications Ministry deputy secretary-general (Strategic Communications and Creative Industry) Nik Kamaruzaman Nik Husin, Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, Bernama chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin and editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj.

Teo said the rapid spread of misinformation, amplified by artificial intelligence (AI), posed a significant challenge to public trust.

She said cases of fraudulent content, including fake accounts and impersonation of public figures, had surged sharply in recent years, rising from 6,297 cases in 2023 to 63,652 in 2024 and 98,503 in 2025.

“As of April 30 this year alone, 60,829 such content items have already been taken down by platforms,” she said.

Teo said the development underscored the need for credibility in journalism to be consistently upheld amid the evolving digital landscape.

Meanwhile, she called for a greater role for the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) and a more measured approach in handling media-related issues.

She said the matter was crucial following Malaysia’s placement at 95th in the latest Reporters Without Borders index, compared with 88th previously, reflecting ongoing concerns in the media landscape.

“While journalist safety has improved, declines in the media economy and legislative environment remain a concern, and this is not a position we are satisfied with.

“Journalism is a pillar of democracy,” she said, adding that disputes over reporting should be resolved through the MMC as the primary arbiter.

The MMC, established in February last year, is an independent self-regulatory body aimed at upholding journalistic ethics, formulating a code of conduct and safeguarding the welfare of media practitioners.

The council is governed by a board comprising representatives from media organisations, practitioners and public interest groups, including academics and civil society, with provisions to ensure representation from Sabah and Sarawak as well as gender balance. — Bernama

In today’s newsletter: As campaigners and critics reckon with the bill’s failure, the debate reveals a country struggling​ to support ​vulnerable people ​and those living with terminal illness

Good morning. Last week the terminally ill adults (end of life) bill in England and Wales fell at the final hurdle – just weeks after Scotland’s parliament voted down similar proposals to legalise assisted dying.

For those opposed to a change in the law, it was a victory. For supporters, it has prompted anger – not just at the outcome, but at the process, with campaigners arguing that the unelected House of Lords had thwarted democracy by blocking legislation that had already passed the Commons.

Monarchy | King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived at the White House on Monday for a state visit in Washington with the transatlantic alliance showing fresh signs of strain.

US news | The suspected gunman at the White House correspondents’ dinner had, according to the FBI, written that “I am no longer willing to permit a paedophile, rapist, and traitor to coat my hands with his crimes”. Cole Tomas Allen, 31, from Torrance in southern California has appeared in court charged with three federal crimes including attempting to assassinate the president.

UK politics | Keir Starmer will face a vote on whether to launch a standards investigation into his appointing Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington. The speaker, Lindsay Hoyle, has granted a debate today on potentially referring the prime minister to the privileges committee.

Education | Half of headteachers say parts of their school are either out of use or unfit for purpose due to leaks, damp, mould, asbestos, ageing boilers and malfunctioning fire doors, according to a survey by the National Association of Head Teachers(NAHT).

Conservatives | Police are assessing evidence about donations to Robert Jenrick’s campaign to become Conservative leader in 2024 after a referral from the elections watchdog, the Guardian can reveal.

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