In a notable development for information security, Cambodia and Malaysia have formalized a new initiative to combat fake news and enhance information integrity. On September 2, 2024, during the 22nd League Conference and the 19th Asia Media Summit held in Kuala Lumpur, Cambodian Minister of Information Mr. Neth Pheaktra met with Malaysian Minister of Communications Mr. Ahmad Fahmi bin Mohamed Fadzil. The meeting underscored the importance of cross-border collaboration in addressing the challenges posed by misinformation.
The newly established initiative aims to improve information exchange between the Cambodian News Agency and Malaysia’s National News Agency, BERNAMA. The ministers emphasized the need for increased cooperation in radio broadcasting and other media platforms to ensure that accurate information reaches the public. They committed to sharing best practices and experiences to strengthen the security and reliability of information dissemination.
In addition to their bilateral efforts, the ministers announced plans to invite other ASEAN countries to join their initiative. This regional approach seeks to create a unified response to the pervasive issue of fake news, reflecting a broader commitment to safeguarding information integrity across the region. The collaboration aims to foster a more secure and reliable information environment for all member states.
Mr. Neth Pheaktra’s call to action on September 1, 2024, during the Asia-Pacific Audiovisual Development Institute (AIBD) conference, received strong support from member countries. His appeal for collective action against counterfeit information highlights the shared recognition of the need to bolster public awareness and reinforce information security. This bilateral initiative between Cambodia and Malaysia represents a significant step forward in combating misinformation and enhancing the reliability of news in the ASEAN region.
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