Penang has labelled the media as the nation’s frontline defence against fake news, with Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow calling on journalists to uphold fact-checking and editorial standards in an era of rapid digital change.
“The duty of journalists is not merely to report events but also to ensure that the public understands the truth through fact-checking processes and sound editorial judgment,” Chow said at the Penang State Government Dinner held in conjunction with HAWANA 2026 on 19 June.
“All of you are the nation’s frontline defence in curbing the spread of fake news, combating the manipulation of facts and safeguarding the integrity of information.”
Chow, a former sub-editor himself, said his background in newsrooms gave him firsthand understanding of the challenges media practitioners face. He described the media as a long-standing strategic partner to Penang, contributing to milestones including the state’s industrialisation in the 1970s, the UNESCO World Heritage recognition of George Town, and its current transformation into an economic and technology hub.
The recognition aligns with the Penang2030 Vision, which commits the state government to transparent, accurate, and inclusive information delivery.
The dinner was hosted by Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib and attended by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Penang State Secretary Datuk Seri Zulkifli Long, and Timor-Leste Secretary of State for Social Communication Expedito Loro Dias Ximenes.
HAWANA 2026 brought together ASEAN delegations and media leaders, including Bernama Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai and Bernama CEO Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin.
Source: The Sun Malaysia
