Hoax About Fuel Price Increase Also Occurs in Malaysia
A false issue or hoax concerning the increase in fuel oil (BBM) prices has circulated not only in Indonesia but also in the neighbouring country, Malaysia. This inaccurate information once caused anxiety among the public.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim highlighted the proliferation of such inaccurate news. In a statement via video monitored in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday evening, he emphasised that much of the circulating information does not align with facts.
“There is so much fake news about oil price increases and commodity prices, which is untrue,” said Anwar Ibrahim on Wednesday (1/4).
According to him, the spread of these hoaxes is carried out by certain parties with malicious intent, including spreading hatred and attempting to disrupt stability.
The Malaysian government has not remained passive. Police apparatus through the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) along with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) have been instructed to take firm steps against the dissemination of false information.
To date, MCMC has recorded at least 96 hoax contents related to oil and electricity price issues circulating on various social media platforms.
Anwar also emphasised that the act of spreading hoaxes is highly detrimental, especially as it occurs when the public is facing economic difficulties and national challenges.
“What they are doing is a betrayal of the country and the people by spreading fake news, risking the fate of the people solely for cheap political gain and narrow political survival,” he stated.
He urged the public to be more discerning in receiving information, particularly from social media, by always verifying it to avoid being easily influenced by misleading news.
Previously, an infographic circulated widely on social media that misused the name of one of Malaysia’s major media outlets. The content conveyed misleading information regarding the BBM price increase in the country.
A similar hoax phenomenon has also occurred in Indonesia. At that time, issues regarding BBM price adjustments went viral, but the Indonesian government quickly provided clarification to correct the circulating information.
To this day, the Indonesian government itself has no plans to adjust fuel oil prices.