A recent study by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has revealed a fascinating paradox: while the majority of Malaysians receive their initial news via social media, their trust remains firmly rooted in traditional outlets like television, radio, and newspapers. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil shared these findings, noting that traditional media maintains a high level of credibility even as digital habits shift.
The data indicates that approximately 87 to 90 per cent of Malaysians aged between 18 and 35 first encounter news through platforms such as WhatsApp, TikTok, and Facebook. However, the Minister pointed out a significant gap in reliability, with trust levels for social media information hovering only between 40 and 50 per cent. In contrast, when these same individuals turn to established broadcast and print media, their confidence in the reporting is notably higher.
Speaking during RTM’s “Bicara Naratif” programme on Monday night, Fahmi highlighted the complexities of the modern news cycle. He explained that the era of waiting for the 8 pm prime-time bulletin is over, replaced by an environment of instant “news flashes” and viral content. This shift puts immense pressure on professional media organisations to balance the demand for speed with the absolute necessity for factual accuracy.
The Minister also addressed the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the phenomenon of “going viral.” He warned that while positive viral content is harmless, negative misinformation can have devastating effects on society. To combat this, he emphasised that strict adherence to journalistic ethics must remain the core differentiator between professional newsrooms and content generated by the general public or automated systems.
Looking toward the future, Fahmi suggested that while society is currently in an early phase of AI exploration, there will eventually be a return to more authentic, human-centric content. Meanwhile, Director-General of Broadcasting Ashwad Ismail added that media organisations must now refine their strategies by producing niche content tailored to specific audience interests within an algorithm-driven landscape. Both leaders agreed that as technology advances, human empowerment and proper regulation are essential to prevent the misuse of AI in information dissemination.
