24/03/2026

TUESDAY | MAR 24, 2026

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Call for system to ensure credible facts PETALING JAYA: With misinformation spreading rapidly online, experts are calling for a credential-based system, in which only qualified individuals are recognised as authoritative voices, to ensure the public receives accurate, evidence-based information instead of misleading opinions. Under such a system, information would be prioritised or verified based on the speaker’s academic qualifications, professional training and relevant experience, helping users distinguish between expert insight and unverified claims. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Media Communication programme head Assoc Prof Dr Sabariah Mohamed Salleh said without clear expert guidance, Malaysians risk being misled by influencers who may oversimplify, misinterpret or distort issues. She emphasised that credibility hinges on expertise. “Information is usually considered credible when it is shared by experts in a particular field. “For instance, when discussing issues pertaining to menstruation, it is best to consult a gynaecologist instead of a public relations officer. “Similarly, when addressing the rise of fuel prices, an economist could provide a more accurate and relevant perspective.” She added that a credential-based system for both online and offline discourse could reinforce public trust, as experts typically draw on years of research or industry experience. “When experts speak, it is not just their viewpoint. It is usually supported by empirical data.” However, she also said expert communication is not without its limitations. “The challenge is that experts sometimes speak in jargon. The information may be accurate, but it could overwhelm the public.” She also said the gap has allowed influencers to gain traction by translating complex issues into more relatable content. Sabariah said while this could improve accessibility, it also carries significant risks. “Influencers may misinterpret expert knowledge, overlook critical details or inject personal opinions that distort the facts. “Sometimes, they focus on content that drives engagement rather than accuracy, which could lead to misinformation.” On freedom of expression, she described it as “a utopian idea” that must be balanced with responsibility. “Sharing opinions is important, but we must draw a line when what is shared could cause harm, injustice, panic or disharmony.” Malaysia currently tackles misinformation through fact-checking platforms and public education initiatives. Portals such as Sebenarnya.my, MyCheck and JomCheck verify claims, while campaigns such as the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission’s Kempen Internet Selamat and JomCheck’s Klinik Cerdik Fakta aim to strengthen media literacy and critical thinking. However, Sabariah said gaps persist. “Fact-checking is reactive, addressing only claims that are reported, while opinions often fall outside its scope. “We are seeing progress, but the coverage is not wide enough to make a substantial impact.” She added that any credential-based system must be carefully designed to avoid being misused to silence dissenting or alternative voices. “It is crucial to distinguish between fact and opinion. Opinions are subjective and influenced by beliefs or norms, while facts rely on studies, books and empirical evidence. – By Kirtinee Ramesh

Fake experts fuelling online scams, misinformation

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Increasingly difficult for public to discern genuine advice from schemes: Academic

operate without accountability.” He added that another unintended consequence is tighter controls may drive misinformation into harder-to-monitor spaces. “This is like closing a noisy public park; the crowd does not disappear, it simply moves into basements where authorities cannot see them. “Investment gurus and other scammers are increasingly shifting from public Facebook pages to private Telegram or WhatsApp groups. “In these hidden spaces, messages are locked, making it difficult for forensic experts to track dangerous advice. Lies could spread rapidly without correction.” He said instead of attempting to regulate every online interaction, the focus should be on equipping Malaysians to protect themselves. “Programmes that teach Malaysians to ‘stop, look and check’ before accepting online advice are critical. “Tools such as browser extensions could flag known scam patterns, while technologies such as blockchain could enable individuals to verify identities without submitting personal data to a central authority.”

PETALING JAYA: Fake experts flooding social media are fuelling scams and misinformation, posing a growing threat to Malaysians as fraudsters exploit trust and technology to deceive the public. Universiti Malaya Centre of Research for Cybersecurity and Network forensic expert Prof Dr Ainuddin Wahid Abdul Wahab said the scale of the problem is escalating rapidly, particularly in areas involving financial and medical advice. “Many Malaysians are being misled by false financial and medical advice. “It’s like a busy market full of individuals selling ‘magic water’ – the loudest voice often attracts the most attention, even when it is lying.” He added that scammers are leveraging advanced technologies, including deepfake videos, to lend credibility to their schemes. “We have seen manipulated videos of prominent figures, including Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, being used to trick individuals into fake investment schemes.”

guard when they see an official symbol, making them more susceptible if the verification process is not completely secure.” He said large-scale identity or qualification checks also come with significant risks, particularly in terms of privacy and cybersecurity. “The biggest concerns are privacy loss and the potential to become a target for hackers.” “If a social media platform stores a centralised database of identity numbers or professional licences, it becomes a honey pot for cybercriminals. “A single data breach could trigger massive identity theft.” Ainuddin Wahid said stricter verification requirements could discourage genuine experts from sharing knowledge online. “Many professionals may avoid contributing if they have to reveal sensitive information or deal with excessive bureaucracy. “This could leave the digital space dominated by (people) who

“From my work in digital forensics, I see scammers becoming more sophisticated, using AI to make their messages appear real. “The biggest danger is the erosion of trust. When everyone claims to be an expert, it becomes difficult for the public to distinguish between genuine advice and scams that could ruin their lives or health.” On proposals to verify credentials online, Ainuddin Wahid said while such measures could offer some protection, they are not foolproof. “Verification adds a layer of protection, but it is not a perfect fix.” “Think of it like a lock on your front door: it stops casual thieves, but a professional burglar with the right tools could still break in. “Scammers could exploit old verified accounts or use stolen identities to bypass the system.” He also said visible verification badges could create a false sense of security. “Individuals tend to lower their

FOOD FATIGUE ... On the third day of Hari Raya, many

Malaysians were seen flocking to eateries for

simple meals after two days of indulging in festive delicacies such as ketupat , lemang and rendang . – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN

Surge in Sarawak-Indonesia cross-border traffic

Ű BY JOSEPH PETER newsdesk@thesundaily.com

transboundary land connections taking shape quickly.” He added that Indonesian workers in Sarawak now number at least 150,000 legally registered individuals. “At the same time, there are undocumented workers from Kalimantan who have crossed illegally into Sarawak. “We believe the number is significant,” he said, adding that this has led to an increase in deportations by immigration authorities.

closest neighbouring region to the new capital. He added that the rise in cross border movement comes alongside ongoing plans to enhance connectivity, including land links and electricity supply projects. Reports indicate that two major land link projects are being planned between Sarawak and Kalimantan: a cross-border superhighway and a trans-Borneo railway. Discussions between Malaysia and Indonesia on the border developments are ongoing.

“These are signs that rapid border transformation is taking place along the Sarawak Kalimantan area. “The social and economic sectors are developing quickly,” he said at a Hari Raya open house at the consulate office in Kuching recently. Nusantara, located about 400km south of Sarawak, is expected to be officially established as Indonesia’s new capital in 2028. Abdullah said Sarawak, which shares ties with Kalimantan, is the

KUCHING: Cross-border traffic between Sarawak and Indonesia is accelerating rapidly, fuelled by new land links in Kalimantan and the rise of Indonesia’s future capital, Nusantara. Indonesian Consul-General in Sarawak Dr Abdullah Zulkifli said the increase is evident in the movement of both individuals and goods across the border. “We are seeing new