Celebrities collaborate in anti-cyberbullying campaign

KUALA LUMPUR: A number of well-known celebrities have collaborated for the success of the ''End Cyberbullying and False Information Dissemination" campaign which aimed at combating and addressing cyberbullying and dissemination of fake news on social media.
Themed "Spread Facts Not Lies" and "I Am With You", the campaign, which has the support of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), aims to educate the public on the rights to protect themselves from cyberbullying and spreading false information.
The campaign, initiated by popular TV host-actress-entrepreneur, Noor Neelofa Mohd Noor or better known as Neelofa, was launched today by Communications and Multimedia Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak.
"Today, I'm honoured to launch a campaign against false news with local celebrities, I thank them for their determination to help us fight fake news.
"Fake news can involve all Malaysians, regardless of position and it's important for us to make sure that such news will not be our culture in Malaysia," Salleh told reporters when met after the launching of the campaign here.
Speaking at a press conference after the launch, Neelofa said the idea came about after talking with other celebrities about the attitude of some people who were very vocal in criticising and giving an opinion on social media platforms.
She said the criticisms, which sometimes were accompanied by abusive language, provocation and touching the sensitivities of others, did not directly reflect the cultural characteristics of Malaysians, who were portrayed as being gentle and polite.
"I got cyberbullied almost every day, with netizens leaving negative comments on my social media accounts. The social media platform is the place to voice views on various issues but some quarters use it to criticise and bring down others," she said.
Actor Datuk Hans Isaac said celebrities were among those who often became victims of cyberbullying, but they were also among the influential groups to bring about a new shift on the use of social media.
"The celebrity status and the support from other personalities can help promote this campaign more widely," said Hans, who is also the director of the campaign.
Other artistes included Awal Ashaari, Scha Alyahya, Nora Danish, Maya Karin, Adibah Noor, Caprice, Joe Flizzow, Ilaa Damia, Kavita Sidhu, Jane Teoh and Shahrol Shiro. — Bernama