Be proactive in addressing fake news on social media, Dr Sim to S’wak media fraternity

Dr Sim takes one for the album with Kuching-based media practitioners, joined by (from left) Tan, Lo, Penguang, Ding, Wee, and Yap. — Photo by Chimon Upon

KUCHING (Jan 11): Media practitioners in Sarawak have been called to take proactive measures in addressing the proliferation of fake news on social media platforms.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian made this call following a recent incident where an old interview of his was manipulated using AI-generated deepfakes, featuring him and Malaysian singer Jaclyn Victor, to false promote a fictitious ‘new formula’ claiming to permanently cure arthritis.

He emphasised the importance of media vigilance in addressing such scams, and urged media practitioners to highlight and report these issues promptly.

“This ensures that our people are informed about scams like these. Viewers of the deepfake video genuinely believed that I was endorsing a non-existent product.

“These incidents are expected to become more frequent, so every one of you must report and spotlight them consistently,” he said during his Chinese New Year Media Night event at a hotel here on Friday.

Dr Sim, who is also Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, urged the media to play a crucial role in showcasing the state’s development efforts and progress in a positive light, aligning with his confidence that Sarawak could surpass Penang in terms of development within the coming years.

“Sarawak’s one-year budget is equivalent to 15 years of Penang’s government expenditure. While we are currently behind, two years of Sarawak’s budget equals 30 years of Penang’s expenditure.

“One year of Sarawak’s budget is equivalent to five years of Selangor’s budget, and two years of Sarawak’s budget equals 10 years of Selangor’s expenditure. Therefore, it is premature to say that in four or five years, we will not be able to catch up with Selangor,” he said.

In this regard, he underscored the need for unity and a collective commitment from all Sarawakians to effectively tackle the state’s challenges that lie ahead.

Among those present were Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang, Meradong assemblyman Datuk Ding Kuong Hing, Kuching South mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap, and Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Tan Kai.