Permatang pauh: Social media users, particularly voters in Negeri Sembilan, have been urged to exercise caution and verify information through mainstream media before believing or sharing content during the state election campaign period. Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil emphasized the importance of this reminder due to the increasing circulation of recycled content presented as current news, as well as false information and misleading statements that could influence public perception.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi stated, "We urge all social media users, especially voters in Negeri Sembilan, to be cautious about content circulating online. Refer to mainstream media to verify any statement or news. If an incident or statement is not reported by mainstream media, we must be careful as it could be fake news or content from a different period rather than a current development." He made these remarks after visiting the Nordin Ahmad Karyawan Gallery at Sekolah Kebangsaan Permatang Pasir, Permatang Pauh.

Accompanying Fahmi were National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) chief executive officer Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib and Karyawan Pulau Pinang president Datuk Dr Sohaimi Abdul Aziz. Fahmi also called on media organisations to play a more proactive role in verifying and clarifying viral content on social media to curb the spread of misinformation.

The minister noted that this call followed the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) receiving 16 reports related to fake news and complaints about internet network issues since the start of the Negeri Sembilan state election campaign. He highlighted the challenge that many users face as they receive information through platforms like WhatsApp without first checking its authenticity.