PM's Department, Sinar Harian join forces to tackle fake news and misinformation

SHAH ALAM – The Prime Minister’s Department (PMD) conveyed its willingness to explore potential collaboration with Karangkraf in a nationwide initiative to counter slander and misinformation, while also helping to communicate key government policies to the public.

Ahmad Ammar

Its Corporate Communications deputy director Ahmad Ammar Othman said the initiative is also intended to encourage constructive, informed and intellectually enriching public discourse.

“The PMD’s visit to Karangkraf provided valuable insight into the inner workings, challenges and pulse of Sinar Harian’s newsroom.

“It also created a platform for transparent dialogue, allowing us to share government updates and plans directly,” he said after leading a site visit with 13 PMD officers to the Karangkraf headquarters on Tuesday.

The Prime Minister’s Department joined Sinar Harian in singing the national anthem, Jalur Gemilang, in celebration of the upcoming 68th Independence Day.

The visit also coincided with a symbolic celebration of Malaysia’s 68th Independence Day, where attendees sang Jalur Gemilang and waved the national flag in unity.

Ammar also expressed hopes that this engagement would serve as the foundation for a stronger and more enduring collaboration between the two organisations.

Karangkraf Group Advisor Datuk Hussamuddin Yaacub (seventh from right) posed for a group photo with the Prime Minister’s Department delegation at the Karangkraf building on Tuesday.

He highlighted that the PMD’s Corporate Communications Unit remains open to continuous engagement and is ready to serve as a primary source of verification and information related to government policies.

“We believe the roles of government and media may differ, but we share a common goal, to see Malaysia thrive in peace, prosperity and progress.

“We hope this relationship continues to grow, built on mutual respect and professional trust,” he said.

He also emphasised Sinar Harian’s significance as a trusted news outlet in an increasingly complex media landscape, where misinformation is a growing challenge.

Karangkraf Group Advisor, Datuk Hussamuddin Yaacub (third from right), welcoming the delegation from the Prime Minister’s Department during their visit to the Karangkraf building on Tuesday.

“Karangkraf’s efforts in educating and providing clarity to the public represent a meaningful service to the nation,” he added.

Meanwhile, Sinar Harian Group editor-in-chief Zamri Rambli described the visit as a gesture of friendship and cooperation that should be nurtured in the future.

Karangkraf Group Advisor Datuk Hussamuddin Yaacub (third from right) hosted the Prime Minister’s Department delegation during their visit to the Karangkraf building on Tuesday.

“Although the PMO is based in Putrajaya and Karangkraf operates from Shah Alam, we function within the same ecosystem.

“What matters is that we achieve mutual understanding for the collective good,” he said.