Media Literacy

Step 1: Identify the Claim and Its Source

Before you can verify a piece of information, you need to understand exactly what it claims and where it supposedly comes from. Many forwarded messages cite vague authorities such as "a friend who works at the hospital" or "a source inside the government." These are not verifiable sources.

Ask these questions

1. What is the core claim? Is it about a new government policy, a health warning, a crime alert, or a financial scam? Write it down in one sentence.
2. Who is the alleged source? Does the message name a specific person, organisation, or institution? If it says "the police" or "the Ministry of Health," you can check their official channels.
3. Is there a date or location? Old messages often resurface years later. A warning about a crime in Johor Bahru in 2021 may not be relevant in 2025.

For example, a common hoax in Malaysia claims that the government is giving out a one-time cash aid of RM500 through a specific bank link. The message often says "Kementerian Kewangan" without specifying which department or providing a link to the official website. By identifying the vagueness of the source, you already have reason to doubt the claim.

Step 2: Search for Official Sources

Once you have identified the claim, go directly to the official source. Do not rely on the forwarded message's link, because scammers often create fake websites that look identical to real government portals.

Key official sources for Malaysians

• Government aid and payments: Check the official portal of the Bantuan Sara Hidup (BSH) or the latest cost-of-living assistance programmes. The Ministry of Finance website (www.mof.gov.my) and the MyKJ portal (www.mykkj.com.my) are reliable.
• Health information: The Ministry of Health Malaysia (www.moh.gov.my) and the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (www.npra.gov.my) publish verified health advisories. The free health screening programme is also listed on official channels.
• Education notices: The Ministry of Education (www.moe.gov.my) and the national school registration portal are the only authoritative sources for school-related announcements.
• Employment and social security: For claims about EPF (KWSP), SOCSO (PERKESO), or income tax, visit the official websites: www.kwsp.gov.my, www.perkeso.gov.my, and www.hasil.gov.my. See also KWSP withdrawals at age 55 and SOCSO claims.

If the claim is about a new policy or benefit, search the official website using keywords. For example, if the message says "Kerajaan bagi RM500 kepada semua ibu tunggal," search "bantuan ibu tunggal 2025" on the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development website (www.kpwkm.gov.my).

Step 3: Use Reverse Image Search

Many hoaxes use photos or videos that are taken out of context. A picture of a flooded road in Kuala Lumpur might be shared as a current event when it actually shows flooding from 2014. Reverse image search tools can help you find the original source of an image.

How to do it on a smartphone

1. Save the image from WhatsApp to your phone's gallery.
2. Open Google Chrome or the Google app.
3. Tap the camera icon in the search bar (on Android) or use the Google Lens feature.
4. Select the saved image. Google will show you similar images and web pages where the image appears.
5. Check the dates of the earliest results. If the image appears in articles from 2018, it is not current.

For videos, you can take a screenshot of a key frame and perform the same search. This technique is especially useful for verifying crime scene photos, disaster footage, or images of crowds at events.

Step 4: Check Fact-Checking Websites

Several organisations in Malaysia and the region actively debunk hoaxes. If a claim has been circulating widely, it has likely already been investigated by one of these sites.

Recommended fact-checking resources

• Sebenarnya.my: A Malaysian fact-checking portal managed by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). It covers hoaxes related to government policies, health, crime, and scams. You can search by keyword or browse by category.
• MyCheck (by The Star): A fact-checking unit from The Star newspaper. It covers political claims, viral news, and social media hoaxes.
• AFP Fact Check: Agence France-Presse has a dedicated fact-checking team for Southeast Asia. Their articles are published on factcheck.afp.com and often cover Malaysian claims.
• Google Fact Check Explorer: A tool that aggregates fact-checks from multiple organisations worldwide. Go to toolbox.google.com/factcheck/explorer and enter your search terms.

For example, if you receive a message claiming that "Bank Negara is giving RM500 to all account holders," a quick search on Sebenarnya.my will show that this is a known scam. The site will also provide a link to the official Bank Negara warning.

Step 5: Verify Through Official Bank and Company Channels

Scams involving fake banking links are among the most common types of WhatsApp misinformation. A message might appear to come from Maybank, CIMB, or Public Bank, asking you to click a link to "verify your account" or "claim a reward." The link often leads to a phishing page that steals your login credentials.

How to verify bank-related messages

1. Never click the link in the message.
2. Open your banking app or official website manually (type the URL yourself).
3. Check for announcements on the bank's official social media pages (verified with a blue checkmark).
4. Call the bank's official customer service number. Do not call any number listed in the suspicious message.

For example, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) maintains a list of scam alerts on its website (www.bnm.gov.my). If the message claims to be from a specific bank, you can also search "[bank name] scam alert 2025" on Google. Banks such as Maybank and CIMB have dedicated scam reporting pages.

Step 6: Cross-Check with Multiple News Sources

If the forwarded message claims to report a news event, do not rely on a single source. Check at least two or three mainstream news outlets in Malaysia. Reputable news organisations such as Bernama, The Star, Malaysiakini, and New Straits Times have editorial standards and fact-checking processes. If a major event has occurred, it will be covered by multiple outlets.

Red flags to look for in news-like messages

• The message uses a sensational headline in ALL CAPS.
• No journalist byline or news organisation is named.
• The message includes a link to a website you have never heard of.
• The website domain ends in .com or .net but mimics a legitimate news site (e.g., "beritaharian.net" instead of "bharian.com.my").

For example, a viral message in 2024 claimed that the government had decided to close all affordable tuition centres nationwide. A quick check on the Ministry of Education website and news sites like The Star showed that no such decision had been made. The hoax originated from a satirical website that was misread as real.

Step 7: Use Common Sense and Ask Experts

Sometimes the best fact-checking tool is your own judgment. If a claim sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If it triggers strong emotions like fear or anger, pause before sharing. Emotional manipulation is a hallmark of misinformation.

When to ask an expert

• Health claims: Consult a doctor or pharmacist. For example, if a message says "eating raw garlic cures COVID-19," check with the Ministry of Health or a healthcare professional. See government and private clinic services for contact information.
• Financial claims: Consult a licensed financial advisor or check with Bank Negara. For topics like personal loans in 2025, only rely on information from official financial institutions.
• Legal claims: Consult a lawyer or check the official website of the Malaysian Bar (www.malaysianbar.org.my).

If you are unsure, ask the person who sent you the message where they got it. Often, they will say "I don't know, someone sent to me." That is a clear sign that the information is unverified.

What to Do If You Have Shared a Hoax

If you realise that you have forwarded false information, take corrective action. Send a follow-up message to the same group or contact, stating that the previous message was incorrect and providing the correct information or a link to a fact-check article. This helps repair the damage and shows others that it is okay to admit a mistake.

Steps to correct misinformation

1. Thank the person who pointed out the error.
2. Share the fact-check link from Sebenarnya.my or another verified source.
3. Ask the group admin to pin the correction message.
4. Report the original hoax to the MCMC or the platform (WhatsApp allows reporting messages by tapping the three dots menu and selecting "Report").

For more everyday guidance on navigating life in Malaysia, including how to spot scams related to monthly food budgets, supermarket price comparisons, and rental costs, see the complete guide to navigating daily life in Malaysia.

Conclusion

Fact-checking on WhatsApp does not require advanced technical skills. It requires a habit of scepticism and a willingness to spend a few extra minutes before sharing. The seven steps outlined in this article: identifying the claim, checking official sources, using reverse image search, consulting fact-checking websites, verifying through bank channels, cross-checking with multiple news outlets, and applying common sense can help you avoid spreading misinformation. By doing so, you protect yourself from scams, reduce panic in your community, and contribute to a healthier information ecosystem in Malaysia.

Related articles

• The Complete Guide to Navigating Daily Life in Malaysia
• Bantuan Sara Hidup (BSH) Assistance
• Free Health Screening Programme
• SOCSO Claims and Benefits
• Personal Loans in 2025: What You Need to Know
• Government and Private Clinic Services