چوروناۏيروس: تويتتر هالا ڤڠڬونا ك سومبر صحيح
The spate of fake news related to the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak has prompted Twitter to urge local users to seek credible information from the Health Ministry.
Users who key in search words such as coronavirus, nCoV, Wuhan or 2019nCoV will receive a message in Bahasa Malaysia informing them that they can get valid information on the virus from the ministry and its MyHEALTH portal.
Avid Twitter user Shafareena Bibi Shah Gzali Khan, 25, who goes by the handle @Bibisback, believed that only some users would take the cue from Twitter and seek verified information from the ministry.
She hoped the authorities would take stern action against those who spread fake news.
KUALA LUMPUR: The spate of fake news related to the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak has prompted Twitter to urge local users to seek credible information from the Health Ministry.
The social media platform displays a message prompting users to visit the ministry’s official account when they key in search words for the coronavirus.
Users who key in search words such as coronavirus, nCoV, Wuhan or 2019nCoV will receive a message in Bahasa Malaysia informing them that they can get valid information on the virus from the ministry and its MyHEALTH portal.
Twitter’s message includes links to the ministry’s Twitter handles @KKMPutrajaya and MyHEALTH’s at @MyHEALTHKKM.
Social media users lauded the move as they believe fake news could confuse the people.
Khairunnisa Ismail, 25, who goes by the Twitter handle @khxrnnisa, hoped Malaysian Twitter users would heed the advice.
“The situation is getting out of control. Twitter had to step in to ensure Malaysians get legitimate information on the virus.
“So much fake news has been circulating through retweets and it confuses the people.
“Some people even edit pictures for jokes but, of course, not everybody gets it. Some end up believing it and this causes panic.”
Khairunnisa said the local media was doing a good job in keeping the public updated on the virus.
“Seeing how Twitter has millions of Malaysian users, I hope that Twitter’s efforts in reminding users to seek credible information from the Health Ministry will bear fruit.”
Another Twitter user, Dzul Rahim, expressed doubts over the effectiveness of the move.
“The way Malaysians have been reacting to the coronavirus outbreak on Twitter is alarming. Everybody wants to be the first to spread information on the virus, whether it is true or not. Probably, it is their way to gain followers or to remain relevant.
“However, I believe Twitter is a powerful tool. It is the quickest way for us to get updates and we should trust only verified sources such as the Health Ministry.”
Avid Twitter user Shafareena Bibi Shah Gzali Khan, 25, who goes by the handle @Bibisback, believed that only some users would take the cue from Twitter and seek verified information from the ministry.
She hoped the authorities would take stern action against those who spread fake news.
Source:
