PUTRAJAYA: Social media users are reminded against disseminating, uploading or sharing status in the form of speculations on the floods.
Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) chairman Datuk Mohamed Sharil Tarmizi (pic) said Saturday the act of sharing or forwarding unconfirmed news could worsen the situation and confuse the public.
He said false information, which were disseminated during critical periods, like at the moment, would not only complicate search and rescue efforts but also cause confusion in aid operation and compound the anxiety and panic among family members of victims.
The intention to help by conveying information is good, but before spreading any news, ask oneself whether it will really bring good or worsen the situation," he said in a statement here, today.
In the meantime, Mohamed Sharil said the MCMC, with telecommunication companies, were carrying out repair efforts by using generator sets or 'gensets' and 'Cellular on Wheels' vehicles or cows in areas not inundated by floods.
He said the public should use cellular phones sparingly in flooded areas to conserve battery life for emergency use. – Bernama