Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is set to collaborate with the Election Commission (EC) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to oversee online campaign materials for the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election. This initiative aims to ensure that all online content, particularly on social media, adheres to established regulations.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil emphasized the importance of these discussions, noting that a significant portion of the election campaigning will take place online. A primary focus of the talks will be on the swift actions the EC can implement if any campaign content is found to violate election rules.

Fahmi also highlighted the need for MCMC to work with PDRM to organize briefings for candidate representatives. These sessions will focus on the identification and management of false information or prohibited materials circulating on social media during the campaign period.

The statements were made following Fahmi’s presentation of aid from the Kasih@HAWANA Fund to Salamat Tambanan, a 66-year-old part-time journalist with Asia Times Pulse, who recently lost his home in a landslide in Kampung Sarapung, Penampang. The presentation took place at the Malaysian National News Agency’s (Bernama) Office, attended by Ministry of Communications secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa and Bernama editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj.

Additionally, Fahmi announced after a National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI) stakeholder engagement session that a special committee involving MCMC and the EC will be formed to enhance enforcement throughout the Sabah election period. This meeting is anticipated to occur soon, potentially as early as next week.

The EC has scheduled the state election polling for November 29, with nominations on November 15 and early voting on November 25. The election follows the dissolution of the 16th State Legislative Assembly on October 6.