KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said there has been an alarming rise in news reporting that lacked responsibility, sensibility, and accuracy.
It said several irresponsible news outlets had been spreading misleading information or intentionally publishing inaccurate content.
It said one of its primary legal duties is to ensure online platforms are not used to commit any offense under Malaysian laws.
This, said the commission, include taking necessary actions to tackle issues such as the spread of false information, offensive content, and defamation.
"Some of the news outlets have been found irresponsible of spreading misleading information or intentionally publishing inaccurate content.
"The rise of converged media, where user-generated content gains traction and ethical reporting takes a back seat, has accentuated this problem.
"With the vast amount of information available online, it becomes challenging to distinguish between fact and fiction. This poses a significant threat to societal harmony, as misleading information can be easily propagated and false narratives can be created," it said.
MCMC said it has undertaken the initiative to hold dialogues and meetings with news outlets in addressing outstanding concerns and issues.
"To combat these issues, MCMC remains resolute in executing its regulatory obligation to ensure the integrity of information and maintain societal harmony."
The commission was responding to a joint statement issued by a group of veteran journalists, who had accused MCMC of playing "Big Brother" by allegedly blocking media online content.
The journalists, in a joint statement, had voiced concern over MCMC's action of calling up media practitioners to explain content carried in their news portals and online sites.
The statement was signed by National Journalism Laureate Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar, veteran newsman Datuk A. Kadir Jasin, Sinar Harian managing editor Datuk Hussamuddin Yaacob, and former Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Azman Ujang.
The other signatories were Malaysian Press Institute chief executive officer Datuk Chamil Wariya, Datuk Yong Soo Heong, Datuk Zakaria Wahab and Dr G Manimaran.
They claimed that the disputed contents were merely reports opinion pieces deemed critical of the government.
"We strongly disapprove of any attempt to use a state apparatus like MCMC to question, censor or block portals and online news content.
We have seen how in previous governments even the slightest complaint from the public or members of the ruling elite was acted upon swiftly though unnecessarily," read the statement.
They said the current government came to power on the promise to allow a free flow of information and a vibrant free press.
"The complaints by media practitioners that their sites have been blocked are on the rise. It is an unhealthy trend which must be stopped immediately.
"We believe that the regulatory body has other priorities thus blocking websites is not one of them.
"While we understand the Internet has become a harbinger of hate and misinformation, we believe media practitioners are disciplined individuals guided by professionalism and ethics.
"The uncontrollable social media realm is understandably a problem. We acknowledge that misinformation and fake news have reached crisis level worldwide.
"But we also believe the role that should be played by a free press in the country. The government must ensure a right eco-system and a conducive environment for media practitioners to work without fear and favour," they said.