INTERVIEW | In today’s world, conspiracy theories and fake news abound, running the gamut from vaccines and miracle cures to faked moon landings and flat earth theorists.

According to Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, a lack of basic knowledge of scientific principles makes it all the more likely that some people will place their faith in entirely implausible fake news.

“To be very frank, it didn’t surprise me when so many people started spreading and believing fake news during the pandemic. I think it is normal in the Malaysian context because not many people really are interested in science and technology.

“So that’s why they are so easily influenced by fake news...