Kuala lumpur: Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has reminded influencers who are now able to shape the thinking of the younger generation, to shoulder a greater responsibility to carry content that is honest and ethical as well as messages of goodness. Fahmi stressed that influencers need to be more careful in producing content so as not to undermine the confidence of young viewers in the information presented.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi expressed concerns over the trend among young people, noting that while they frequently watch content on TikTok, they do not trust it as much as traditional TV, which they consume less but trust more. He urged influencers to collaborate in creating content that is both ethical and carries a positive message. Fahmi called on influencers, and those aspiring to be influencers, to focus on producing content that benefits society.

The minister made these remarks at the MADANI Moyog Youth Training Workshop held at the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI) in Kampung Inobong. The event was also attended by National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) chief executive officer Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib and Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the Moyog constituency, Remysta Jimmy Taylor.

Additionally, Fahmi highlighted the government's concern over social media's impact on children under 16 due to rising cases of sexual crimes and fraud linked to digital platforms. He pointed out the importance of implementing stricter measures to control social media access among this age group. Fahmi referenced a recent operation, Op Pedo, where 31 individuals, aged between 12 and 71, were arrested for possessing vast amounts of files related to sexual crimes against children.

Fahmi also addressed the issue of 'doomscrolling,' which he warned could lead to addiction and negatively impact the moral development and daily focus of teenagers.