The communications and multimedia minister said the government was always committed to supporting and upholding freedom of the press.

“The government’s stance is clear and we recognise the important role of media practitioners in carrying out their functions and fulfilling their responsibilities,” he said in a statement today.

He added that his ministry took note of the 2021 World Press Freedom Index released by Reporters Without Borders on April 17, where Malaysia was ranked 119, dropping 18 spots from the previous year.

“Efforts to prevent the spread of false information do not mean restricting press freedom,” he said.

According to Saifuddin, in the era of information technology, the media not only has a role of disseminating transparent information but also to protect the people from the spread of false information that can threaten the stability and harmony of the country.

In fact, he said the media in the country had long worked with the government and had always been proactive in helping to refute false information.

“As we fight to stop the Covid-19 pandemic, governments around the world also face the challenge of tackling the spread of false information and ensuring that authentic and accurate news and information are channelled to the people,” he said.

He said the enforcement of the Emergency (Essential Powers) (No.2) Ordinance 2021, more commonly called the fake news law, from March 12, was specifically to address false information related to Covid-19 and the Emergency Proclamation.