Kuala lumpur: The Department of National Unity and National Integration (JPNIN) is undertaking a study to develop a Community Tension Index aimed at measuring social cohesion and monitoring issues related to racial and religious sensitivities nationwide. Minister of National Unity Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the findings would serve as a key strategic reference for the government in formulating early intervention measures, addressing sensitive issues and strengthening harmony within Malaysia's diverse society.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the move was timely as threats to national unity have increasingly shifted into the digital sphere, citing the removal of 1,493 pieces of online content related to religion, royalty and race (3R) issues between Jan 1, 2025, and Jan 31, 2026, through enforcement actions by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). Aaron highlighted the impact of social media algorithms that create 'filter bubbles' and 'echo chambers', contributing to greater polarisation and narrowing the space for healthy discourse, thus widening gaps in understanding among communities.

He shared these insights at the 2026 Harmony Symposium organised by the Secretariat of the Malaysian Parliamentary Cross-Party Group on Racial and Religious Harmony at the Parliament Building today. As part of longer-term efforts to strengthen social cohesion, Aaron stated that JPNIN has conducted engagement sessions with various stakeholders to gather preliminary views on the proposal to establish a National Harmony Commission (SKN).

Aaron further explained that the proposed commission would serve as an institutional mechanism focused on early prevention, mediation, and conflict resolution, investigating issues that may affect national harmony.