Kota Kinabalu: Kota Kinabalu Journalist Association is spearheading efforts to restore newspaper reading habits among students as concerns grow over declining literacy and rising misinformation in the digital age.
KKJA Chairman Jimmy Goh expressed alarm at how digital technologies and artificial intelligence had transformed information consumption, with people increasingly abandoning traditional reading for quick online scrolling.
“People once turned to newspapers and mainstream media for reliable information, but now they simply swipe through their devices,” he said.
“The problem is that anyone can publish anything online without accountability, creating serious risks of misinformation,” he added.
Jimmy pointed out how fake news proliferates despite existing laws, noting that government monitoring of internet content remains limited.
He noted widespread online scams as evidence of this growing threat.
The KKJA believes targeting schools offers the best opportunity for change, viewing students as more adaptable to new habits and representing the country’s future leadership.
“Young people are naturally receptive to new ideas and trends, making them ideal candidates to restart this cultural shift,” Jimmy said.
However, the initiative requires careful planning and collaboration. Success depends on securing adequate funding, gaining cooperation from educational institutions and relevant ministries, and mobilising sufficient media professionals.
The campaign aims to strengthen both print and digital journalism while providing students with reliable news sources, ultimately reducing society’s vulnerability to false information.
The proposal remains in development as organisers work to address logistical challenges before implementation.
