07/03/2025

FRIDAY | MAR 7, 2025

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Cultural sensitivity urged in content creation RON97 and diesel prices down five sen in Peninsular Malaysia KUALA LUMPUR: The retail prices of RON97 petrol and diesel in Peninsular Malaysia will be reduced by five sen each to RM3.38 and RM3.13 per litre respectively from March 6 to 12. The Finance Ministry said the prices were set based on changes in crude oil prices. The retail price of RON95 remains unchanged at RM2.05 per litre while that of diesel in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan is also unchanged at RM2.15 per litre. The ministry said the government would continue to

‘Umno not linked to probe on ex-PM’ KUALA LUMPUR: Umno has emphasised that the party is not connected to the ongoing investigation into former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob following the discovery of a large amount of cash and gold bars at several premises last week. Its secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said: “Umno has no connection to the discovery and maintains that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) should be given the space to conduct its investigation transparently.” He said Umno would not hesitate to take legal action against any party that deliberately attempts to associate the party with the case or create a negative perception of Umno. MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said Ismail Sabri is a suspect in a corruption and money laundering investigation after about RM170 million in cash was found in a safe house during a raid by the agency. The investigation is focused on the expenditure and acquisition of funds for promotional and publicity purposes during his tenure as prime minister. MACC has recorded statements from 31 individuals and frozen 13 bank accounts worth about RM2 million, all of which are confirmed to be legitimate and active. – Bernama curriculum quality KUALA LUMPUR: The government remains committed to ensuring preschool curriculum is high-quality, relevant and on par with those of other countries, the Senate was told yesterday. Education Deputy Minister Wong Kah Woh said the Preschool Curriculum 2026 was developed with input from various stakeholders. “To assess its feasibility, the curriculum was piloted in public and private preschools, involving 34 preschools under the Education Ministry, five Community Development Department kindergartens, three tabika perpaduan and eight private kindergartens. “Its refinement was based on findings from the pilot programme, taking into account feedback from implementers on the ground,” he said during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Negara here yesterday. He was responding to a question from Senator Datuk Mustafa Musa on the training plans and exposure to the new curriculum framework for preschool teachers under the ministry, department, Orang Asli Development Department, and National Unity and Integration Department to ensure students attain the expected competencies. – Bernama Govt to ensure preschool

monitor the impact of global crude oil price movements and take relevant measures to ensure the welfare and wellbeing of the people. – Bernama

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Media figures must uphold integrity and ensure messages are accurate, ethical and respectful of cultural diversity: Academic

emission intensity by 45% by 2030 and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.” He said the government is exploring methods to cut carbon emissions in electricity generation, including by mothballing, co-firing and adopting new clean energy technologies, with nuclear power among the options under consideration. – Bernama Before posting, he also seeks feedback from family and close friends to make sure his content is suitable for public consumption. “Staying informed on trends and cultural sensitivities helps me navigate social media responsibly and avoid unnecessary backlash.” He stressed that humour and creativity should never come at the expense of cultural sensitivity. “There is a fine line between appreciation and mockery.” Effendi Ahmad Aruani provided their statements on Wednesday. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Head of Media and Communication Programme and Centre for Research in Media and Communication associate professor Dr Sabariah Mohamed Salleh suggested that influencers refer to the Malaysian Code of Ethics for Journalism as they play a role in information dissemination. “The code emphasises acknowledging a variety of viewpoints across different segments of society, including cultures, races, ethnicities and religions, and steering clear of biases and stereotypes. “Everyone has the power to influence and persuade, even if they have just one follower.” She urged content creators to ask themselves if they have done proper research, if they are aware of cultural norms and values, and if their content could cause harm. Actor, influencer and content creator Karthik Mohan, 31, popularly known as Kaarthickjay, said it is important for any influencer to be culturally mindful of their content, considering that we are living in a multiracial and multireligious society. “As a public figure, I follow a set of ethical guidelines to ensure my content remains respectful and avoids sensitive issues. I categorise my content, whether personal or promotional. This prevents impulsive decisions, such as unplanned live streams or spontaneous uploads. “I always plan my topics in advance and take precautions.”

PETALING JAYA: In today’s digital era, influencers and media personalities hold significant power in shaping public opinions, guiding societal values and influencing how people perceive the world. They bear a responsibility to uphold integrity in the content they create, ensuring their messages are accurate, ethical and respectful of the country’s cultural diversity. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Centre for Research in Media and Communication senior lecturer Dr Nurzihan Hassim said content created and shared on public platforms does more than entertain; it shapes public discourse. Content creators must exercise ethical and cultural sensitivity in the content they choose to disseminate to the public, she stressed. “The Era FM controversy over the video mocking the Hindu kavadi dance, a sacred ritual performed during Thaipusam in

dismissive statements.” She said one of the most effective ways to prevent cultural missteps is by fostering diverse creative teams. “When content is reviewed by individuals from different cultural backgrounds, potential issues can be addressed before publication.” She said media organisations should establish and regularly update editorial guidelines on cultural representation while authorities should conduct stricter monitoring of content related to religious observances, which hold spiritual significance. She also called for accessible feedback channels in which communities can voice concerns. Era FM radio DJs Nabil Ahmad, Azad Jasmin and Radin Amir

devotion Muruga, demonstrates that in matters of cultural sensitivity, impact always outweighs intent.” While the intent may have been to produce light entertainment, the harm caused to the affected community is real and valid. “Failure to conduct proper checks before publishing content shows a lack of accountability.” Nurzihan said although mistakes are inevitable in content creation, it is important to issue a transparent and sincere apology that acknowledges the harm caused, assumes full responsibility and takes corrective measures. “Unfortunately, many public figures and organisations struggle with this, opting for vague, to Lord

Content creators are urged to undertake proper research, be aware of cultural norms and values, and ensure their content does not cause harm. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

Coal remains main electricity generation source KUALA LUMPUR: The government is maintaining coal as the primary source of electricity generation due to its lower production costs and to ensure electricity tariffs remain affordable for consumers, said Energy Transition and Water Transformation Deputy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir. sustainable electricity supply at accessible rates. “Malaysia’s electricity generation relies heavily on coal and gas as the main fossil fuel sources to meet base load demand. “However, the government question-and-answer session at the Dewan Negara here yesterday. He was responding to Senator Robert Lau Hui Yew, who asked about the percentage of electricity generated from coal and whether there are plans to transition to net-zero carbon technologies.

Electricity Supply and Tariff meeting on Nov 21 last year, coal accounts for 36.4% of installed capacity in Peninsular Malaysia. “The meeting on Feb 7, 2023 decided that no new coal-fired power plants would be built, in line with the Power Development Plan projections. “This decision supports Malaysia’s commitment under the 2015 Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas

remains focused on balancing energy affordability while exploring cleaner and more sustainable energy options,” he said during a

He said based on the latest data presented at the Planning and Implementation Committee for

He said the government is committed to providing sufficient and