06/02/2025

First page Previous page 10 Next page Last page

THURSDAY | FEB 6, 2025

READ OUR

HERE

Malaysian Paper

/thesun

COMMENT by Muhammad Najib

Combatting scams and disinformation W E all know that one person in our WhatsApp group – the self-appointed “news question, and if it does not have the answer, it will suggest credible sources.

LETTERS letters@thesundaily.com

successfully verified information. As for response quality, the real test will be in its credibility. Any bias favouring the government will likely go viral, drawing public scrutiny. Step in the right direction Despite the uncertainties, the government’s decision to explore AI-driven fact-checking is bold. The fact that MCMC, the country’s communications regulator, is leading the charge may inspire other government agencies to follow suit, learning from its successes and missteps. Malaysia is positioning itself as a hub for AI-driven industries, from data centres and semiconductor design to the newly launched National AI Office under the Digital Ministry. To lead in AI, the government must move beyond policy discussions and start experimenting with practical applications. By deploying AI tools like Aifa, it can better understand AI’s strengths and limitations, and how to maximise its impact. For now, Aifa is a first step, a toe in the water. It will take time before the government fully immerses itself in AI adoption, let alone masters it. However, with the right approach, Malaysia has the potential to lead AI deployment in the region. The challenge now is to learn fast and to ensure that AI tools serve the public interest while maintaining trust and transparency. Muhammad Najib is a DAP member and was in the working committee for the write-up of the Tawaran Harapan manifesto from Pakatan Harapan during the 15th General Election. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

Addiction to sugary drinks is real. It is no surprise that over 53% of Malaysians screened were found to be overweight or obese, according to the National Health Screening Initiative 2023. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

Aifa is accessible through Sebenarnya.my and via WhatsApp. To use it, users can add Aifa’s WhatsApp number: +60 3-8688 7997. The aim is to encourage people to fact-check information before sharing it, making them more discerning about the messages they send and receive. Since Aifa is integrated with WhatsApp, users can quickly forward verified responses to their groups or directly share Aifa’s number, helping the community verify information. Will it work? Public skepticism is high, and the loudest voices tend to be the most critical. Governments, under constant scrutiny, are often cautious in adopting new technologies as any misstep invites ridicule. There is little reward for being early and bold – sometimes, waiting can seem like the safest strategy. Critics will question whether Aifa is necessary and whether it can keep up with the sheer volume and speed of disinformation. How will its success be measured? Can an AI fact-checker evolve quickly enough to stay relevant? Perhaps, most fundamentally, should the government be the ultimate arbiter of truth? What checks and balances are in place? These are fair concerns. Without a clear framework to measure the spread of disinformation and scams, assessing Aifa’s effectiveness will be challenging. At best, the government can track adoption metrics, such as the number of users, queries and

anchor” – who eagerly shares the latest headlines, only to later realise they have spread false information. One day, it is a “miracle cure” for every disease under the sun. Next, it is a viral warning about a non existent crime wave. And let us not forget those get-rich-quick schemes that promise you financial freedom, but only end in regret. Misinformation is like wildfire – one spark can quickly spread, fuelled by fear, curiosity or plain old excitement. While we may shrug it off when it does not directly affect us, the truth is, misinformation is not just annoying – it is dangerous. It can stir up hatred between communities, erode trust in institutions and, in worst cases, lead to real-world harm. Meanwhile, scams continue to drain life savings, leaving victims devastated. However, what if we had a fire extinguisher to put out these viral flames before they spread? Can AI help tackle misinformation? The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) recently launched Aifa – the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Fact checking Agent – to help counter disinformation. Aifa pulls verified information from official government sources, such as Sebenarnya.my, and answers user queries based on this data. Designed to support Malaysia’s diverse linguistic landscape, Aifa can process information in Malay, English, Chinese and Tamil (with some limitations for Kadazan-Dusun and Iban). Users can ask Aifa a

Fizzing out the sweet trap THIS Chinese New Year, amidst the endless flow of drinks and cookies, I decided to treat myself and indulge in these luxuries.

make sure to have water nearby at all times. Imagine the struggle for tobacco users trying to quit, especially heavy smokers. What about gambling addiction, where the craving for the thrill of winning can lead people to unconsciously spend a fortune? While I have found my own way to reduce my intake of carbonated drinks, what about those battling tobacco and gambling addictions? It is important to find alternatives that can help curb these addictions. A slow and steady approach tends to be more effective. Asking someone to quit cold turkey is often unreasonable and can intensify cravings. For heavy tobacco users, perhaps an alternative for something less harmful, like nicotine pouches, vape or heated tobacco may help. These options can offer similar satisfaction without inflicting much harm on the body. For gambling addicts, channeling the craving for excitement into board or card games like Uno or Monopoly could be a healthier option. These games offer the thrill of competition and strategy without the financial risks associated with gambling. Vanessa May

I usually don’t drink carbonated beverages but I thought I would reward myself with a can or two on the first day of the celebration. With few days into the festivities, I found myself unconsciously heading to the fridge for a carbonated drink. Thoughts like “It’s okay” and “A can or two won’t hurt” kept running through my mind as I continued. Then, I realised I even craved it whenever I was watching a movie. I did not notice this until my partner pointed it out. That is when I realised I had developed an unconscious craving for sugary drinks, and this is dangerous. Addiction to sugary drinks is real. It is no surprise that over 53% of Malaysians screened were found to be overweight or obese, according to the National Health Screening Initiative 2023. According to a report from the World Obesity Federation, 41% of Malaysian adults will be obese by 2035. This is alarming. Imagine those who have been drinking carbonated drinks since they were young. I constantly have to remind myself not to fall into this trap. To ensure that I do not constantly reach for carbonated drinks, I

Education matters remain an important component of Malaysian society. Today the landscape is fast paced with new exciting developments in technology such as AI, coding, virtual reality, and cybersecurity, leading the way for changes in curriculum development. To showcase the latest and most updated content, we invite you join us in 2025, and be part of our Education Focus!

Malaysian Paper

Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs