Fahmi Warns Against Fake, Unverified Content Ahead Of Budget 2027

LABUAN, Oct 7 (Bernama) -- Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil has reminded social media users not to pre-empt the Prime Minister’s Budget 2027 speech by circulating unverified information, including misleading graphics, manipulated images or content falsely presented as official announcements.

He said the public should be particularly cautious of materials that misuse photographs or the logos of news organisations to create the impression that the information is authentic or officially sourced.

“I expect there may be parties who try to get ahead of the Prime Minister’s speech. There is no need to use social media to do this.

“There may be those who misuse photographs or news organisation logos and produce graphics that actually have no connection whatsoever with what is being presented by the Prime Minister,” he told reporters after launching the RM9 million Communications Ministry Complex here today.

Also present were Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah, Information Department director-general Erwin Khairul Ahmad, and Bernama News Services deputy editor-in-chief Mohd Shukri Ishak.

Fahmi advised the public to follow the Prime Minister’s Budget 2027 speech, which will be broadcast live across various media platforms, and compare any information circulating on social media with reports from official sources and established media organisations such as Bernama and Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM).

“Check properly whether the information is authentic or otherwise...do not immediately believe or share information simply because it appears convincing or carries the logo of a news organisation,” he said.

He said social media users who come across suspicious or potentially fake content should lodge reports with the police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to enable prompt action to be taken.

Meanwhile, he said a joint awareness programme involving MCMC and the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) is expected to be held in Labuan at the end of this month, tentatively on Oct 31.

He said the programme would provide an opportunity to raise awareness among social media users and the local community about the latest tactics and strategies employed by scammers.

“We want the people of Labuan to be equipped with the latest information on the methods used by scammers, the steps they need to take to protect themselves and what they should do if they become victims.

“This includes understanding the immediate steps that can be taken if money has been stolen or fraudulently transferred,” he said.

Fahmi said greater public awareness of evolving scam tactics was important to help communities identify suspicious activities early and respond quickly to minimise financial losses.

-- BERNAMA