Unraveling fake news in Malaysia: A comprehensive analysis from legal and journalistic perspective

<jats:p>The impact of fake news in Malaysia is vast and complex, posing threats to democratic processes and social cohesion. However, fake news research often relies on Western definitions, contributing to a lack of understanding within the Malaysian context. The introduction of the Malaysia Anti-Fake News Act in 2018, which encompasses all types of information and ideas, have also left confusion regarding the definition of fake news. This research aims to serve as a guide, starting from how “fake news” is defined in the country and then addressing potential issues associated with constituting the term from both legal and journalists’ perspectives. Utilizing quantitative content analysis and qualitative interviews, the research reveals challenges in combatting fake news in a semi-authoritarian context. Balancing media freedom and regulation is challenging, and distinguishing between sensational and fake news is complicated by subjective interpretations. While enhancing professionalism in journalism is crucial, the utmost importance lies in establishing transparent governance. This is because establishing trust in government-owned new media is key to encouraging reliance on credible sources. This research assists in providing a clearer understanding of the underlying problems related to fake news dissemination in the country and suggests possible long-term solutions to curb its impact.</jats:p>