Social media being misused: IGP

SANDAKAN: Social media today is being misused to spread slanderous and seditious news, touching on sensitive issues such as racism, religion, as well as challenging the royal institutions, says Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun.
He said this was because certain social media users sometimes could not distinguish the difference between freedom of expression and democratic principles, or between what is apparent and true, so much so their actions could jeopardise public order.
He said effective use of communication and multimedia technology could facilitate daily tasks such as communicating, trading, obtaining medical services, and acquiring knowledge online.
"Even so, such convenience comes with its own challenges and threats.
"Apart from being susceptible to negative cultures and elements, it also puts us in a situation in which we are exposed to being victims of various forms of online crime," he said.
He said during the "Klik Dengan Bijak" (Click Wisely) programme organised by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and Unikop, which was launched by Sabah Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman here, today.
Mohamad Fuzi said therefore, various initiatives needed to be formulated and implemented to provide exposure and awareness to the public about the legal boundaries they needed to respect while exercising their rights on social media.
In the meantime, he said the programme held today was the best medium to engage the people directly in efforts to reduce crime.
He said through the programme as well, Kolej Unikop, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Royal Malaysian Police Co-operative, had established the UNIKOP4SCHOOL Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme to assist child education through online learning.
"I fully support this effort, as apart from emphasising safe use of the Internet, we can also increase the human capital value in our children," he said. — Bernama