Missing MH370: MCMC probes 18 complaints of false information

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will investigate 18 complaints over allegations and inaccurate information on Flight MH370.

Communication and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said there had been a lot of lies and inaccurate information spread over the internet so much so that it belittled the government's efforts to find the missing Malaysia Airlines plane.

MH370 with 239 people on board disappeared after taking off from KL International Airport on March 8.

"MCMC has received 18 reports with one in particular receiving close attention," he said in a reply in Parliament.

He said the investigations into the allegations were put on hold as focus was on locating the missing plane.

"At present, MCMC is assisting in locating the plane in relation to the use of communication technology.

"However, we will surely look into the complaints in due time," he added.

On the issue of press freedom, Ahmad Shabery said it was inaccurate to blame the government solely for Malaysia's slip in the world ranking from 147 in 2013 to 145 this year out of 180 countries based on a survey by Paris-based Reporters With Borders.

He noted that the government had taken steps to improve freedom of expression by removing the need for annual press permits.

"MCMC also ensures the free flow of information on the internet without restrictions as long as it is in accordance with law," he said.

"The issue of press freedom does not necessarily mean that the government is the enemy," he said adding that the survey took into account various factors.

He cited the move by some state governments to ban Utusan Malaysia and TV3 from covering their press conference also affected Malaysia's ranking.