Fahmi Warns Against Fake, Unverified Content Ahead Of Budget 2027

LABUAN, Oct 7 – Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil has cautioned social media users against circulating unverified information, manipulated images, or fake graphics claiming to represent official announcements ahead of the Prime Minister’s Budget 2027 presentation.

Speaking to reporters after launching the RM9 million Communications Ministry Complex in Labuan on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, Fahmi emphasized that the public should be particularly vigilant against content that misuses the logos or photographs of established news organizations to fabricate authenticity.

“I expect there may be parties who try to get ahead of the Prime Minister’s speech. There is no need to use social media to do this. There may be those who misuse photographs or news organisation logos and produce graphics that actually have no connection whatsoever with what is being presented by the Prime Minister,” Fahmi said.

Also present at the launch event were Communications Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah, Information Department Director-General Erwin Khairul Ahmad, and Bernama News Services Deputy Editor-in-Chief Mohd Shukri Ishak.

Media Verification Protocols and Reporting Procedures

Fahmi advised the public to tune directly into the live broadcast of the Budget 2027 presentation across official platforms and cross-check online content with mainstream news outlets:

• Official Source Cross-Checking: Social media users are urged to compare claims circulating on digital platforms with news reports published by established organizations like Bernama and Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM).
• Critical Evaluation: Members of the public should avoid blindly trusting or sharing graphics solely because they display media logos or look professionally designed.
• Reporting Channels: Users who encounter suspicious, misleading, or fraudulent online content should immediately file reports with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) for prompt regulatory action.

Scam Awareness Initiative in Labuan

In addition to digital literacy concerns surrounding the national budget, Fahmi announced that a joint scam awareness program by MCMC and the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) is tentatively scheduled to take place in Labuan on October 31, 2026.

The initiative aims to educate the local community on evolving tactics used by fraudsters, providing practical steps to prevent financial loss, secure personal accounts, and take immediate recourse if money has been unlawfully transferred.

Fahmi stressed that boosting public awareness of modern scam methods is vital to helping communities spot suspicious activities early and mitigate potential financial damages.

–NMT