Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil has urged Malaysians to be wary of social media accounts impersonating government agencies and offering registration for Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and other government assistance.
Fahmi said some accounts on platforms such as TikTok had misused the government coat of arms and official-looking graphics to make it appear that applications for government aid were being handled by legitimate agencies.
He stressed that members of the public should verify information found on social media through official government websites or established news organisations before taking any action.
“Any information, especially on social media, should be cross-checked and verified either through mainstream media or official websites,” he told reporters after attending the MADANI Kita Programme (PMK) 2026 in Kangar on Saturday.
Fahmi said applications for government services and assistance should only be made through the official channels of the relevant agencies, rather than links or social media accounts that have not been verified.
He added that users could also make use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools available on some platforms to conduct preliminary checks on information they suspect may be false or misleading.
Fahmi also urged Malaysians to think twice before sharing content online, particularly as scam-related and false information continues to circulate widely on social media.
He said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) had so far requested social media platforms to remove nearly 500,000 pieces of content, with between 85 and 90 per cent reportedly involving scams and online gambling.
Meanwhile, Fahmi said the MADANI Kita Programme was aimed at bringing the government closer to the public, understanding local needs and issues, and expanding direct access to government services at grassroots level.
The programme includes initiatives such as Jualan RAHMAH, government exhibitions and service counters, briefings on current issues, helmet exchanges, health and dental screenings, motorcycle engine oil changes, manicure services and free haircuts.
Fahmi also presented Bakul RAHMAH packages containing food and basic necessities to 100 recipients in the Kangar parliamentary constituency as part of efforts to ease their financial burden.
Also present were Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah and Information Department director-general Erwin Khairul Ahmad.
