Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission Investigates Fake News Allegations, According to Teo

Malaysian authorities have launched an investigation into false information circulating on social media during the campaign period for Sabah’s 17th State Election, according to Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching.

Speaking during a visit to the Communications Ministry Media Centre in Sandakan on Sunday, Teo revealed that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is working closely with the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) to address a specific incident where a social media user posted content designed to incite hatred toward Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim among Sabahans.

“We urge the public to exercise prudence and responsibility when using social media throughout the campaign period,” Teo said, emphasizing the importance of preventing the spread of misinformation that could potentially influence the electoral process or inflame tensions in the state.

The MCMC, Malaysia’s communications regulatory body, plays a crucial role in monitoring digital content during election periods. Their involvement highlights the growing concern about the impact of false information on democratic processes, particularly in politically significant regions like Sabah, which has historically been a key battleground in Malaysian politics.

When asked about potential violations by candidates themselves, Teo noted that the ministry has not yet received any formal complaints from the Election Commission (EC) regarding campaigning offenses on social media platforms.

“If there are complaints from the EC, MCMC may assist in taking down the candidate’s campaign materials. However, so far, no such complaints have been received,” she explained. The Deputy Minister expressed hope that this positive trend would continue until the campaign period concludes on November 28.

The Sabah State Election represents a significant political moment for Malaysia’s easternmost state, with early voting scheduled for November 25 and the main polling day set for November 29. According to official EC statistics, nearly 1.8 million voters are eligible to participate, comprising 1,760,417 ordinary voters, 11,697 military personnel and their spouses, and 12,729 police personnel and their spouses.

Teo observed that social media has become an integral campaign tool for nearly all candidates in this election. Digital platforms provide an efficient way to connect with voters, especially those in remote areas of Sabah where traditional campaign methods like rallies and door-to-door visits may be challenging due to the state’s mountainous terrain and dispersed population centers.

“Social media has now become a common platform for candidates to share their views, explain their political aspirations, and present themselves as potential representatives of the people,” Teo said. “However, I hope all candidates will use the internet ethically and responsibly throughout the campaign.”

The increasing reliance on social media for political campaigning reflects a broader shift in Malaysia’s electoral landscape. This digital transformation has intensified since the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly limited in-person campaigning and accelerated the adoption of online outreach strategies.

While digital platforms offer unprecedented reach and engagement opportunities, they also present challenges for electoral authorities tasked with ensuring fair play and preventing the spread of harmful content. The MCMC’s active monitoring during this election period underscores the delicate balance Malaysian authorities are attempting to strike between allowing free political expression and preventing potentially damaging misinformation.

As the campaign enters its final days, both candidates and voters in Sabah will be navigating this increasingly digital electoral environment, with regulatory bodies keeping a close watch on the online sphere that has become as important as traditional campaign grounds.