Malaysian Communications Regulator Receives Report of False Online Content

Malaysian authorities have launched an investigation into false information being spread on social media during the ongoing Sabah state election campaign, according to Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has received a report regarding misleading content posted online that allegedly attempts to incite hatred against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim among Sabah residents.

“The MCMC will be collaborating closely with police to take appropriate action against the social media user responsible for uploading content designed to provoke anti-government sentiment,” Teo said during a statement made in Sandakan, a major city in Sabah’s east coast.

This incident comes amid heightened political activity in Sabah, Malaysia’s easternmost state located on the island of Borneo, where voters are preparing to elect representatives to the state legislature. Political tensions traditionally run high during election periods in Malaysia, where social media has become an increasingly influential campaign battleground.

The Deputy Minister emphasized the importance of responsible social media use during the politically sensitive campaign period, warning that the spread of misinformation could potentially disrupt the electoral process and inflame community tensions in the multicultural state.

“We urge all citizens to exercise caution and responsibility when using social media platforms throughout this election cycle,” Teo stated. “The dissemination of false information not only violates our communication laws but can have serious consequences for social harmony.”

Sabah, with its diverse population comprising numerous indigenous groups alongside Malay, Chinese and other communities, has historically been vulnerable to political and ethnic tensions, making authorities particularly vigilant about inflammatory content circulating online during election periods.

Despite the reported incident, Teo noted that the Election Commission (EC), which oversees the conduct of elections in Malaysia, has not lodged any formal complaints regarding campaign violations on social media platforms.

“The ministry stands ready to assist if the EC identifies problematic campaign materials that require removal from digital platforms,” she explained. “However, at this juncture, we haven’t received any such requests from the commission.”

Malaysia has been working to strengthen its regulatory framework for digital communications in recent years, with the MCMC playing a central role in monitoring online content and enforcing compliance with the country’s Communications and Multimedia Act.

The law prohibits the creation and dissemination of false information that could threaten public order or national security, with potential penalties including fines and imprisonment for serious violations.

This incident reflects broader challenges facing electoral processes globally, where social media platforms have become both essential campaign tools and potential vectors for misinformation. Malaysian authorities have previously expressed concerns about the impact of “fake news” on electoral integrity, implementing various measures to combat digital disinformation during election periods.

The Sabah state election is being closely watched as a potential indicator of public sentiment toward Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government, which came to power following the 2022 general election. The election outcome in this resource-rich state could have significant implications for national politics.

As campaigning continues, authorities are expected to maintain heightened vigilance against potential social media abuses while balancing concerns about freedom of expression in Malaysia’s evolving democratic landscape.