Influencers should not exploit 3R issues for social media content - Yuneswaran

KUALA LUMPUR: Social media influencers have been reminded not to exploit issues involving race, religion and royalty (3R), particularly religious rituals, for online content, in the interest of preserving harmony in the country's multiracial society.

Deputy National Unity Minister R. Yuneswaran said influencers with large followings should be more responsible in producing content and spreading positive values instead of playing on 3R sentiments.

"If possible, stay away from issues involving 3R, as influencers may not know about the religious rituals or customs of certain communities, especially if they do not profess that religion.

"We have many positive things that can be promoted together with the National Unity Ministry," he said when met after attending Bernama TV's Ruang Bicara programme at Wisma Bernama today.

He was commenting on a viral issue involving an influencer believed to have participated in a religious ceremony during the Thaipusam celebration at Batu Caves, Selangor.

Yuneswaran said the ministry viewed the issue involving religious rituals seriously and hoped it would be handled tactfully, adding that the investigation had been left entirely to the religious authorities and the police.

He also urged the public not to rush to judgement or politicise the issue, but to allow the authorities to conduct their investigation and resolve the matter promptly.

In addition, he invited social media influencers to work with the ministry to promote the Federal Constitution, the Rukun Negara and the National Nationhood Programme.

"Under the ministry, we recommend that these issues (3R) be avoided. Although our society comprises people of various races and ethnic groups, we can attend various ceremonies, events and celebrations; however, when rituals are involved, I hope they will be respected," he said.

Yesterday, the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) confirmed that it had begun investigating a viral post involving an individual believed to be Muslim who was alleged to have participated in another religion's ritual in contravention of Islamic law. – BERNAMA