Malaysia Cyber Consumer Association urges ban on paid fake accounts, warning cyber trooping erodes democracy.
PETALING JAYA: Coordinated online propaganda using fake social media accounts, known as cyber trooping, has become a weapon of manipulation in Malaysia’s digital landscape, and should be banned outright, the Malaysia Cyber Consumer Association warned.
Its president Sirajuddin Jalil said such operations, which have evolved into a “monetised industry of deception”, are eroding democracy, poisoning public debate and destroying trust in institutions.
“Disinformation is not random, it’s a business,” he told theSun.
“Individuals and organisations are paid to deliver agenda-setting outcomes for their clients, whether they are government agencies, political parties, private contractors or influencers.”
Sirajuddin was responding to a report by a news portal several weeks ago that indicated a network of at least 263 Facebook accounts allegedly running a coordinated political support campaign.
The report detailed the use of astroturfing, a tactic that manufactures fake grassroots movements to simulate public support, which he said clearly fits the pattern of coordinated inauthentic behaviour.
“I strongly oppose any form of cyber trooping. It distorts public discussion, manipulates opinion and ultimately kills democracy.
“Such actions are unethical and violate the spirit of free expression.”
Sirajuddin said the practice breaches the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which prohibits false or misleading content, and must be treated as a criminal offence.
He warned that Malaysia’s weak enforcement regime and the rampant sale of pre-registered or fake SIM cards have fuelled the growth of these shadow networks.
“These SIM cards are openly sold on e-commerce platforms. They enable cybercriminals, scammers and troopers to hide their identities while spreading false narratives.
“Yet, the tele-communications industry has been far too lenient in enforcing compliance.”
He urged regulators to adopt strict verification standards similar to those in the banking sector under Bank Negara Malaysia guidelines.
Sirajuddin also said cyber trooping transcends political boundaries, adding that political actors as well as private organisations have used such tactics for gain.
“Cyber trooping is not a government issue, it’s a national issue.
“It’s used to shape public sentiment. Whoever pays benefits. Everyone sins equally in this ecosystem.”
He called for stronger regulatory reform, including digital identity verification for all social media users to curb anonymity and enhance accountability.
“Indonesia has already proposed national verification measures to ensure every social media account is tied to a verified identity.
“Malaysia should explore similar digital ID integration for online platforms.”
Sirajuddin cautioned that no party should rely on manipulation as a communication strategy.
“If they want to convey their message, it should do so transparently.
“Paid troopers may create short-term wins but in the long run, they destroy public trust, fuel toxicity and undermine democracy.”
He stressed that strategic communication must not be confused with deception.
“Agenda-setting is legitimate when done transparently but cyber trooping crosses the ethical line.”
