PUTRAJAYA: A portal that utilises artificial intelligence (AI) will be created to help people verify the information they receive, repel defamatory news and fight fraud or scams, says Fahmi Fadzil.

The Communications Minister said the portal was expanded from the special segment "Biar Betul!" which was broadcast on RTM channels as the segment, which was less than a minute long, was insufficient and needed to be sped up to deal with the issue.

"It is still in the early stages but there is a need so that the people in general do not have to doubt the material they read. If there is any doubt, they can refer (to the portal).

"Today, we can watch 'Biar Betul!' episodes on various platforms, including RTM, where scam material, fake content and slanderous news are exposed every day but we see that it is not enough and needs to be improved," he said after launching the "Jom Baca Bersama 10-Minit" programme at the Communications Ministry level here Monday (April 22).

According to Fahmi, the new platform will strengthen the capabilities of existing platforms such as SEBENARNYA.MY under the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and MyCheck.My, managed by the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) and Biar Betul! to make it easier for the people to search and verify any information received.

Fahmi said the ministry will also work with social media platforms so that information received by users goes through a verification process as practised on the X (formerly known as Twitter) platform that attaches "Community Notes" to a post, allowing users to give feedback on the post.

In addition, a total of 1,878 Madani communities across the country can also be used as "Biar Betul!" agents. as the front line to fend off defamation, correct perceptions and check facts with the ministry to ensure that the delivery of information to the community is done more clearly and in an organised manner.

He said the matter was taken seriously considering that MCMC's information showed that almost 80% of the content downloaded until April was of a scam nature, including advertising fraud and online gambling.

Earlier, Fahmi in his speech said the theme of the Jom Baca Bersama 10-Minit programme - "Reading Preserves Unity" - is very much in line with the Madani concept which reflects the emphasis on building a civilised society, giving each other insight and fostering unity.

Organised jointly by the Communications Ministry's Resource Centre and the Information Department's Resource and Photo Centre (Japan), the programme was held in conjunction with World Book and Copyright Day celebrated worldwide on April 23 every year.

Also making the programme a success were the Bernama Information and Library Centre (Infolib), the Resource Centre of the National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (Finas), RTM Library and the Tun Abdul Razak Institute of Broadcasting and Information (IPPTAR). - Bernama

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/04/22/govt-to-set-up-portal-to-help-combat-scams-defamation-says-fahmi