PUTRAJAYA: The Communications Ministry and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will meet Meta, Facebook's parent company, to discuss issues related to online safety on Monday.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil today said they would raise concerns about how Meta was being used to distort facts and spread fake news.
"Since yesterday, the ministry has found a series of messages initiated by several parties, especially on Facebook, making baseless and malicious accusations.
"They alleged that there will be no national or international Quran recital and memorisation competition this year. This message is repeated with slight variations.
"So on Monday, the MCMC and I, along with other agencies, will meet Meta.
"We will discuss how Meta is being used to distort facts and spread fake information and news."
Fahmi, the government's spokesperson, said he had directed the MCMC to investigate and identify those involved in spreading false information on the organisation of the competition.
He said action would be taken as certain parties had attempted to distort facts.
He added that the issue of online safety for children under 13, who should not have social media accounts, would also be raised in the meeting.
He said not all social media platforms provided strict mechanisms to prevent children from registering.
"If Meta fails to cooperate, we will take action against it."