Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) is being emphasized as a national institution of trust and truth to fortify the country's communication ecosystem and tackle the challenges of misinformation and digital manipulation. Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah highlighted this during a visit to Wisma Bernama, underscoring Bernama's pivotal role in delivering verified and balanced information both domestically and internationally.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Abdul Halim stated that in an era dominated by advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, deepfakes, and disinformation, Bernama's role as a trusted news source is increasingly essential. He emphasized that the agency acts as a custodian of Malaysia's national narrative on the global stage, providing explanations rather than propaganda to convey the country's story.

During his visit, Abdul Halim, who arrived at Wisma Bernama at 3.15 pm, was welcomed by key figures including Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, and other senior management members. Communications Ministry senior undersecretary (Management) Datuk Aminurrahim Mohamed was also in attendance.

In efforts to further solidify Bernama's status as a trusted news source, Abdul Halim proposed enhancements to the agency's fact-checking capabilities and the introduction of a Bernama trust mark for verified content. He described Bernama as the backbone of Malaysia's media ecosystem, with responsibilities in strengthening media literacy and preserving information democracy.

Abdul Halim also highlighted Bernama's critical public role as a strategic partner to the government, focusing on addressing inaccurate information and educating the public on identifying false information. He stressed the importance of Bernama remaining an institution that fosters talent, upholds journalistic ethics, and sets the benchmark for media ethics in the country.

He concluded by expressing appreciation for Bernama's efforts to uphold quality journalism, utilize digital technology, and ensure accurate and responsible dissemination of the national narrative. This aligns with the MADANI Government's aspirations, which prioritize trust, integrity, and transparency in information dissemination.