.png)
SHAH ALAM – The nationwide controversy over the death of Rocky, a stray dog at the centre of a heated public debate, has prompted communication experts to call for social media influencers and celebrities with large followings to be held to higher standards of accountability when commenting on sensitive issues.
They said public figures have every right to speak on matters of public interest, but their influence also carries greater responsibility to ensure allegations are accurate, fairly presented and based on verified facts before being amplified to millions of people online.
International Islamic University Malaysia communication lecturer Dr Shafizan Mohamed said the Rocky controversy highlighted a growing problem in the digital era, where emotionally driven narratives often spread faster than verified facts.
"Social media platforms often prioritise speed and emotional reactions, allowing initial narratives to gain widespread attention before corrections or additional information emerge.
"This makes it increasingly difficult to correct misinformation once public opinions have already been formed based on incomplete information," she told Sinar Daily.
The controversy erupted following Rocky's death during a dog-catching operation in Taman Teluk Gedung Indah, Port Klang, sparking widespread public outrage over animal welfare and accountability.
As investigations progressed and more details emerged, several public figures faced criticism for commenting before all the facts were established. Some later apologised or removed their posts after acknowledging they had reacted based on incomplete information.
Shafizan said the consequences are amplified when celebrities and influencers are involved because their reach now rivals, and in some cases exceeds, that of traditional news organisations.
"Influencers often command audiences that rival or even exceed those of traditional news organisations.
"A single post can shape national conversations, mobilise thousands of people, trigger strong emotional reactions and ultimately affect another person's reputation, livelihood or even safety.
"When new evidence later changes the understanding of a case, an apology alone is rarely enough to repair the damage. Accountability should extend beyond deleting posts or issuing brief statements," she said.
She argued that corrections should receive the same prominence as the original claims if misinformation had reached a large audience.
"If multiple posts, lengthy commentaries or live broadcasts contributed to spreading misinformation, the correction should receive the same level of visibility so those exposed to the original claims are equally informed."
While Malaysia's existing legal framework, including defamation laws, already provides avenues to address harmful statements, Shafizan said the growing influence of digital creators raises legitimate questions over whether individuals with significant online reach should be held to standards comparable to professional media organisations.
"Traditional media organisations operate under professional standards, editorial processes and legal obligations, including fact verification and correction procedures.
"As influencers increasingly shape public discourse on a similar scale, there is room to consider whether those with significant influence should also be held to comparable standards of transparency, verification and accountability."
However, she stressed that greater accountability should not be viewed as restricting freedom of expression.
"Freedom of expression and responsibility are complementary principles. Requiring influencers to verify allegations, present information responsibly and correct misinformation is not censorship but a way to strengthen public trust."
Echoing similar concerns, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Faculty of Communication and Media Studies political and social media analyst Associate Professor Dr Sara Chinnasamy said the Rocky controversy illustrated how outrage-driven online culture often encourages users to react before critically assessing available evidence.
She said social media algorithms tend to reward emotionally charged content because it generates stronger engagement, accelerating the spread of misinformation while reducing space for balanced and evidence-based discussion.
"Celebrities and influencers have the right to express their views, but their wider reach comes with greater responsibility. Public figures should communicate carefully, avoid making unsupported accusations and take steps to correct any misinformation they may have shared.
"Public discourse should focus on the accuracy and impact of statements rather than assumptions about individuals' intentions.
"While fact-based criticism can contribute positively to discussions, remarks made mainly to provoke outrage or attract attention risk worsening misinformation and deepening divisions," she said.
On whether Malaysia should introduce a dedicated regulatory framework for digital creators, Sara said further measures could encourage greater transparency and responsible online conduct without undermining freedom of expression.
She suggested encouraging influencers to verify information before publishing, issue clear corrections when mistakes occur and adhere to basic ethical standards when discussing sensitive issues.
Nevertheless, she cautioned that regulation alone would not solve the problem.
"Stronger regulation alone will not fully address misinformation. Public awareness of media literacy, responsible platform policies and ethical self-regulation among content creators are also important in reducing harm and protecting individuals from unfair reputational damage."
The Rocky controversy saw several prominent figures revise their initial responses as more information became available.
Content creator Mek Yun (Wee Yun Nee) apologised for forming an opinion based on incomplete information, while actress Kilafairy (Syakila Nisha Jahangir Khan) apologised for using harsh language in her initial reaction.
Actress Sherry Ibrahim later removed her earlier post after reviewing further explanations from authorities and other parties, while actress Nabila Huda Suhaimi maintained her focus on broader animal welfare issues and called for stronger legal protection against animal abuse.
The experts said the episode underscored a broader lesson for the digital age: influence carries responsibility, and credibility depends not on being the first to comment, but on being accurate.
