Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari cautions that viral online content may be false, urging media to verify facts amid rapid news cycles and misinformation risks.
SHAH ALAM: Something that goes viral on the internet is not necessarily true, while what is true may not go viral, said Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.
Amirudin said today’s certainty of unpredictability was among the new challenges for conventional media practitioners, to publish news that is truly authentic so as not to get caught up in a narrative of uncertainty.
“In the past, what was published in the media would be the focus and discussed. But now, gossip, hearsay or inaccurate news often becomes the reference and consideration of many quarters.
“Therefore, I believe this is a big challenge in the major transformation between conventional media, which must wait for deadlines and also the end of the news cycle (at press-time) at a quicker pace,” he said when speaking at the official launch of the Selangor Journalists and Photographers Association (Wajar) at the Wisma Dewan (Selangor State Legislative Assembly Building) here on Monday (November 24).
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Amirudin also agreed to be Patron of Wajar. Also present were Selangor State Secretary Datuk Dr Ahmad Fadzli Ahmad Tajuddin, members of the Selangor State Executive Council (Excos) and Wajar Chairman Norrasyidah Arshad.
Commenting further, Amirudin said inaccurate information could cause the entire institution of media practitioners, including journalists, to be trapped with multiple narratives.
He thus opined that 24 hours was too late to provide feedback or response on certain issues, especially those that risk provoking various reactions.
“We cannot wait up to 24 hours, when it is already quite late to report and provide immediate feedback on an event and action that has occurred,” he said.
Meanwhile, Amirudin said all media practitioners, especially Wajar members, must remain committed to upholding integrity, accuracy of information and professionalism because it is a great responsibility to safeguard the truth and strengthen public confidence.
“In addition, (the state government must) maintain good relations between journalists even though they belong to different media groups and organisations,” he said.
Wajar received approval from the Registrar of Societies (ROS) Malaysia in July this year and so far, the number of registered members has nearly reached 80, involving journalists and photographers from various media organisations serving in Selangor. – Bernama
