Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow says journalists play a critical role in curbing fake news and safeguarding information integrity.
BUTTERWORTH: The Penang state government values the important role played by media practitioners as a frontline defence in ensuring the dissemination of accurate, credible and unmanipulated information.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said in an era marked by the rapid expansion of social media, digital technology advancements and artificial intelligence (AI), the role of professional journalists has become increasingly critical in curbing the spread of fake news and maintaining public trust in the information delivered.
“The duty of journalists is not merely to report events but also to ensure that the public understands the truth through fact-checking processes and sound editorial judgment.
“All of you are the nation’s frontline defence in curbing the spread of fake news, combating the manipulation of facts and safeguarding the integrity of information,” he said at the State Government Dinner in conjunction with HAWANA 2026, attended by Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib, here tonight.
Also present were Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil; Penang State Secretary Datuk Seri Zulkifli Long; Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah; Timor-Leste Secretary of State for Social Communication Expedito Loro Dias Ximenes; and Communications Ministry deputy secretary-general (Strategic Communications and Creative Industry) Datuk Bahria Mohd Tamil.
Also in attendance were Chairman of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai; Bernama Chief Executive Officer and HAWANA 2026 Organising Committee Chairman Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin; Bernama Editor-in-Chief and HAWANA 2026 Organising Committee Deputy Chairman Arul Rajoo Durar Raj; as well as top management from local and international media organisations.
Chow said the journalism world holds special meaning for him, as he had previously served as a sub-editor before venturing into politics.
“That valuable experience taught me about the realities, tough challenges and heavy responsibilities borne by media practitioners,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said the media has always been a strategic partner to Penang throughout the state’s development history, including during the industrialisation era in the 1970s, the recognition of George Town as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its transformation into a major economic and technology hub in the country.
Chow said in line with the Penang2030 Vision, the state government is committed to ensuring the delivery of transparent, accurate and inclusive information to all citizens.
He added that HAWANA provides an important platform to strengthen collaboration among media practitioners and communication leaders to enhance understanding, trust and regional solidarity.
He said the presence of ASEAN delegations reflects the strong bond of friendship and mutual respect within the region, and expressed hope that HAWANA 2026 will continue to serve as a key platform to unite the media community, empower regional cooperation and elevate ethical journalism.
