Dr Sim urges responsible reporting amid rise of social media misinformation

KUCHING (Feb 13): Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian has voiced concern that the media landscape has grown increasingly complex, with smartphones enabling anyone to act as a content creator or influencer, making the spread of misinformation and incomplete narratives easier.

“In today’s environment, not everyone who produces content is a professional journalist. Some intentionally or unintentionally spread misleading or incomplete information, which can turn good efforts into negative perceptions,” said Dr Sim, who is also the Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, during his ministry’s Media Night held in conjunction with the Chinese New Year at a restaurant here on Thursday night.

Dr Sim pointed out that negative stories often dominate headlines, while positive achievements, especially in healthcare and public service, tend to receive limited attention.

He cited the dedication of doctors and nurses in Sarawak General Hospital (SGH), many of whom choose to continue serving in Sarawak despite better opportunities elsewhere.

“Many of our doctors could easily leave for higher pay, yet they stay because they want to serve Sarawak. How often do we hear stories about their sacrifices and achievements?” he asked.

He reminded the media to support Sarawak’s nation-building efforts through fair and balanced reporting and to play a more proactive role amid the rapid rise of social media and digital platforms.

He also proposed that negative reporting should be balanced with positive stories, so the public can gain a fairer and more accurate understanding of ongoing development efforts.

“Sarawak nation-building cannot be done by the government alone. The media, civil servants and people must work together. Journalists shape public opinion, and that carries responsibility,” he said.

Highlighting the influence of headlines, Dr Sim said different media framing of the same facts could produce vastly different public perceptions, especially on sensitive issues such as Sarawak’s oil and gas revenue.

He referred to contrasting headlines on Petronas’ earnings and investments in Sarawak, noting that such framing could easily be politicised, making Sarawakians appear greedy or ungrateful, while also fuelling dissatisfaction locally.

“Same facts, different headlines – the political interpretation becomes completely different,” he said, urging journalists to be mindful of context and impact.

Dr Sim encouraged journalists to highlight Sarawak’s development milestones, including infrastructure expansion, flood mitigation, healthcare investment, free tertiary education initiatives and student loan assistance, where the Sarawak government currently covers 70 per cent of the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loan repayments for eligible students.

“If we don’t tell our own success stories, others will distort them,” he said.

Dr Sim expressed hope that by 2030, Sarawak would be a model of prosperity, unity and social harmony.

He thanked media practitioners for their professionalism and urged them to remain committed to ethical reporting, noting that responsible journalism is vital to sustaining public trust and social stability.

Dr Sim, along with Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato’ Lo Khere Chiang, Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How, Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap, Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) chairman Abang Ismawi Abang Ali, Kuching South City Council (MBKS) chairman Dato’ Wee Hong Seng and Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Tan Kai as well as Political secretary to the Sarawak Premier, Kho Teck Wan later distributed Chinese New Year ang pow to members of the media.