EXCLUSIVE: It begins with a simple post—an image, a forwarded message, a screenshot. Within minutes, it spreads across WhatsApp groups and Facebook pages, reaching thousands. By the time fact-checkers respond, the narrative has already taken hold.

Misinformation is not new in Sabah, but the scale and sophistication of recent campaigns have alarmed analysts. From social media posts distorting facts to outright disinformation campaigns, the problem is shaping political discourse in real time.

This has been particularly evident in the wake of the Sabah mining corruption scandal. Rival groups flooded online spaces with conflicting claims, making it difficult to distinguish fact from fiction.

“The spread of misinformation has become an unhealthy trend due to the rise of digital platforms,” said political analyst Tony Paridi.

Why Sabah is particularly vulnerable

Political misinformation is a national issue, but in Sabah, it takes on a unique form.

“The problem isn’t just that misinformation exists—it’s that in Sabah, the issues are often localized, which makes it easier to manipulate public perception,” said political researcher Lee Kuok Tiung.

“When people are unfamiliar with an issue, they become more susceptible to believing what they see online,” he explained.

Social media plays a key role. Observers have noted a spike in misinformation following major political controversies, particularly on Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube.

Facebook, in particular, remains the primary news source for many Sabahans, while WhatsApp allows unverified information to spread rapidly.

“With a high volume of user-generated content, these platforms influence public opinion significantly,” said Lee.

More than just misinformation?

Some of this online discourse may be organic—users misunderstanding facts or sharing unverified information without malicious intent. But analysts believe some of it is deliberate.

“There are two types of misinformation. The first is organic—people simply getting things wrong. The second is coordinated, where narratives are intentionally crafted and spread,” Lee said.

The language used is often emotional, designed to provoke anger, fear, or suspicion. This makes it harder for casual readers to separate fact from agenda.

“Misinformation triggers emotional reactions—anger, fear, disappointment. Once emotions are involved, people are less likely to question what they see,” Tony said.

Real consequences, real victims

These online narratives are not harmless. In recent months, individuals have found themselves at the center of misinformation storms.

Warisan lawyer Chin Tek Ming became the target of a smear campaign after doctored images linked him to political sabotage. He has since filed a police report, but the damage to his reputation lingers.

Elopura assemblyman Calvin Chong also became a frequent target, facing relentless speculation and online harassment.

Lee believes some online groups operate with a clear strategy, indicating the involvement of cybertroopers or organized disinformation networks.

“There are people who comment on everything, every day, as if they are experts on every issue. It’s hard to believe that this is just organic,” he said.

Regulation struggles to keep up

Authorities have been slow to respond to the evolving nature of misinformation. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) can only take action when a report is lodged, which means falsehoods often go unchecked for days or even weeks.

“By the time action is taken, the damage is already done,” Lee said.

Even when false posts are removed, they often reappear on foreign-hosted platforms, which fall outside Malaysian cyber laws.

“Once taken down, they reappear within hours. That makes enforcement almost impossible,” Lee added.

A problem with no easy solution

With Sabah’s state election approaching, misinformation is likely to intensify. Experts say more proactive measures are needed—including stronger digital literacy programs, independent fact-checking networks, and clearer regulations on online political campaigning.

Malaysia has partnered with organizations like Sebenarnya.my and MyCheck Malaysia to tackle misinformation, but analysts argue these efforts remain limited in reach.

For now, Sabah’s digital landscape remains highly contested, with misinformation continuing to shape public perception—whether it’s true or not. — February 20, 2025