Fake News Spread as A Threat to Multiethnic Community Unity in Malaysia: A Preliminary Study

This study discusses the threat of fake news dissemination to the unity of Malaysia's multiracial society. Fake news has become an increasingly pressing issue in the era of globalization and the advancement of information technology. The objective of this study is to investigate and analyze the threats faced by Malaysia's multiracial population due to the spread of fake news. A qualitative approach is employed, using library research and content analysis methods to examine previous writings. The study analyzes the factors contributing to the spread of fake news, its effects on national unity, and strategies to address the problem. The findings indicate that the spread of fake news can have serious repercussions on national unity. These effects include heightened racial tensions, erosion of trust within society, and the spread of prejudiced views. Therefore, one of the recommendations emphasizes the need to strengthen media literacy among Malaysians as an approach to curb the threat of fake news. In the effort to build strong national unity, cooperation between authorities, the media industry, and the public is crucial in tackling this issue.