KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 — Deputy Minister of Communications Teo Nie Ching today stressed that media integrity and responsible journalism are more important than ever as artificial intelligence (AI), misinformation and digital disruption continue to reshape the global information landscape.

Speaking while officiating the HAWANA 2026 Media Forum held in conjunction with Malaysian National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA), Teo said journalists now play a critical role as “architects of truth, context and clarity” amid growing uncertainty and the rapid spread of false information online.

She said the media industry is undergoing profound transformation, with digital platforms changing the way news is produced, distributed and consumed, while AI increasingly influences newsroom operations through content generation, verification and audience engagement.

“While technology can significantly enhance efficiency and expand reach, it also raises critical questions surrounding accuracy, accountability and public trust,” she said.

Teo expressed concern over the increasing spread of misinformation, particularly in relation to global developments and crises, noting that digital platforms are now flooded with emotive and often unverified content.

Between March 29 and April 30 this year, she said authorities identified 464 false content pieces related to the global supply crisis, of which 312 were successfully taken down. During the same period, 65 investigation papers were opened and 15 cases were referred to the Attorney General’s Chambers.

She also highlighted the growing misuse of AI technologies such as deepfakes and impersonation scams, warning that manipulated voices and facial identities are increasingly being used to deceive victims.

According to Teo, fraudulent online content involving fake accounts and impersonation of public figures has risen sharply in recent years, from 6,297 cases in 2023 to 63,652 in 2024 and 98,503 in 2025. As of April 30 this year, 60,829 such contents had already been removed by digital platforms.

“In an era of misinformation, credibility is no longer assumed — it must be earned consistently and transparently,” she said, adding that journalism remains a key pillar of democracy.

Teo also called for greater digital literacy among the public, urging Malaysians to verify information before sharing it online.

On media freedom, she acknowledged Malaysia’s decline in the latest Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index ranking, where the country fell to 95th place from 88th previously.

While recognising the role of enforcement agencies in maintaining public order, she said a more “proportionate and measured” approach should be adopted, with disputes involving media reporting resolved through the Malaysian Media Council.

To support the sustainability of the media industry, Teo said the government had introduced the RM30 million Media Innovation Fund (Dana Inovasi Media), offering grants of up to RM300,000 per project for training, technology adoption, infrastructure and content development.

She said Phase 1 of the initiative benefited 34 organisations with RM12.38 million allocated, while Phases 2 and 3 approved RM5.16 million for 16 organisations and RM2.6 million for 10 organisations respectively.

“To date, RM20.14 million, or 67.1 per cent of the total allocation, has been approved, benefiting 60 organisations nationwide,” she said.

Teo added that applications for Phase 5 of the fund are now open until May 14 for local media organisations registered with the Information Department (JaPen).

She also highlighted welfare initiatives for media practitioners through the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA programme under BERNAMA.

This year alone, 122 media practitioners received assistance amounting to RM370,000. Overall, 728 recipients nationwide have benefited from the initiative, with total contributions reaching RM1.94 million as of April 30 this year.

Teo concluded by reminding media practitioners that despite rapid technological advancement, journalism must remain rooted in human values such as empathy, ethics and responsibility.

“AI should support — not replace — human judgment, integrity and accountability,” she said before officially declaring the HAWANA 2026 Media Forum open.