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THE government will intensify efforts to block what it describes as Zionist Israeli propaganda and misinformation campaigns, particularly those spread via social media algorithms.
Speaking during a press conference at the Sumud Nusantara Command Centre in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said strong measures have already been taken to prevent the Malaysian public from falling prey to disinformation that could undermine national solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
“The government, through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), has implemented close monitoring and continues to engage with major social media companies,” said Fahmi.
“In one instance, when I summoned TikTok representatives, I conveyed the government’s firm stance — both the Ministry of Communications and the MCMC strongly criticised the appointment of an individual who was formerly a trainee with the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) to a senior position at TikTok’s New York office on a lucrative salary.
“Clearly, having someone who trained the IDF in such a role does not send the right message for TikTok’s ecosystem. We have made our position clear.”
Fahmi stressed that the government would not compromise on information security or tolerate attempts by foreign interests to exploit digital platforms for the dissemination of Israeli state narratives.
He also highlighted a previous incident involving Meta Platforms Inc, after content uploaded by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim concerning Palestine was removed without reasonable explanation.
“Meta recognises the Prime Minister as the head of government, and as a sovereign state, Malaysia has the right to express its position.
“As a result of our ongoing engagement with these companies, we believe a clear signal has been sent to them. We hope to continue blocking algorithms that push Zionist regime propaganda from gaining traction in Malaysia.”
Fahmi further cautioned the public against false reports, particularly those related to the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), a humanitarian mission to Gaza.
“For example, there were claims circulating that GSF vessels were attacked by Israeli commandos, which is simply untrue. This is the kind of propaganda being pushed.
“Legally speaking, GSF participants are not in breach of any international laws. These are international waters, with no lawful blockades. The route taken by the flotilla is entirely legitimate,” he explained.
MCMC, he added, continues to monitor social media algorithms to intercept and prevent the spread of misleading or manipulated content believed to support the Zionist agenda.
“These ongoing engagements with platform providers demonstrate that Malaysia will persist in resisting and blocking digital narratives that distort the truth.
“As a sovereign nation, we assert our right to uphold our stance, and these platforms have acknowledged our views,” he said. - September 28, 2025