IN the age of digital transformation, data is essential – not for control, but for clarity, planning and progress.
Yet, once again, we see certain media outlets spinning responsible government initiatives into baseless conspiracies. Their latest target – the government’s effort to use anonymised mobile phone data for national planning and public policy.
Let’s be clear from the outset: no personal data is being shared or accessed. The government and all mobile network operators involved have publicly and repeatedly affirmed that no names, no identification card (IC) numbers and no personal identifiable information (PII) are being disclosed.
The data is intended strictly for uses like infrastructure development, tourism planning and policy-making.
Still, some media portals, ever eager to sensationalise and stir public doubt, continue to cry “surveillance”, trying to scare Malaysians into believing “Big Brother” is watching.
Their arguments are riddled with dramatic hypotheticals, not facts. According to these outlets, even anonymised patterns can somehow be reverse-engineered into personal identities.
It’s a creative theory, a stretch of imagination aimed at provoking fear and distrust.
But here’s where the hypocrisy hits hardest. These same media platforms rely heavily on data themselves, and not just anonymised data.
They track who reads what, for how long, from which device, and from which location. They use this data to pitch to advertisers and build audience profiles.
Some even run subscription-based services, which means they collect names, email addresses, payment details, etc. These are actual personal information.
And unlike the government, they’re not always upfront about how that data is stored or used.
Let’s not forget that most Malaysians hand over far more information daily to social media apps, websites, and online platforms, accepting terms and conditions without a second glance.
Ever searched for a holiday and suddenly received flight and hotel advertisements? That’s because you have already allowed private companies to use your data, often in much more invasive ways than the government ever could or would.
But somehow, when the government seeks anonymous, statistical, non-identifiable data to improve services, it becomes a “threat”.
When corporations do it, it’s called “targeted marketing” or “personalisation”. When the government does it for public benefit, it’s “tracking”. The hypocrisy is as loud as it is ridiculous.
Moreover, all telecommunications providers are legally bound by the Personal Data Protection Act. If they breach it, they can be taken to court. There are safeguards, frameworks and recourse in place.
But instead of informing the public responsibly, some media choose to fan the flames, misrepresenting intentions, twisting facts, and pretending to be champions of privacy while exploiting data in their own backyard.
Let’s be honest. This is not about protecting citizens. It’s about stirring dissent, and pushing narratives of distrust even when the facts are transparent.
It’s time Malaysians see through their act. Data is not the enemy. Irresponsible media manipulation is.
The government is not out to spy on you. But some media outlets are certainly out to exploit your emotions, distort the truth, and undermine trust – all for attention and political mileage.
This must stop. Malaysians deserve facts, not fear.
DR MAHENDRAN CHELLIAH
Kuala Lumpur
(dipetik dari the star 13/6/2025)