Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has initiated 42 investigations into the dissemination of false information related to the global energy crisis and the ongoing West Asia conflict. These investigations, opened as of 3 pm today, target misinformation circulating on social media and other digital platforms.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil revealed that 31 of these cases pertain to inaccurate reports about fuel costs. So far, 22 individuals from different parts of the country have been summoned to provide statements as part of the ongoing investigations. MCMC has also made 355 requests to various social media platforms to remove misleading content, with 154 items already taken down and the rest still under review.

Fadzil urged Malaysians to exercise caution when encountering information, particularly on social media, regarding the global energy crisis. He highlighted that certain parties spread unverified information to gain attention and influence amid current global challenges. He made these remarks during a briefing on the global energy crisis at his weekly press conference.

Additionally, Fahmi stressed the need for practising 'tabayyun', which involves verifying and confirming the truthfulness of information before sharing it, especially in today's fast-paced digital environment.

When questioned about the political affiliations of the 22 individuals under investigation by the MCMC, Fahmi clarified that the focus is not on political connections. Instead, the investigations aim to uncover the origins of the false information and the intentions behind its dissemination.

The minister specified that current investigations are concentrating on how the information was acquired, its source, and the motives for its public distribution. Political affiliations have not been considered a relevant factor in these probes.