Administrators of WhatsApp groups may face legal action if they fail to stop the spread of false information among members that may cause a threat to national security. Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Jailani Johari said provisions under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 can be considered as holding the admin accountable. Offences that fall under the Act include the spread of fake news, libel, fraud and exposure of classified information under the Official Secrets Act. “The admin can be called in to assist in investigation and whether or not action would be taken against the individual depends on facts and the statement given in each case,” he said. “The admin is responsible for the group members regardless whether the information (being spread) is fake or inaccurate, or aimed at libel. “If the admin is proven to be directly involved or had intentionally allowed the information to be shared, action would be taken against the individual,” the minister said.Jailani urged group admins to be more responsible and act as “gatekeepers” to keep fake news at bay.
> Child molester lures victim with money before kissing her
A foreign man had reportedly used money to get the attention of a 12-year-old girl before he molested the victim in a shop at Jalan Pasir Panjang in Kuala Terengganu. The 8pm incident on April 23 happened when the victim visited a shop together with her father and brother. According to a source, the victim went to the toy section while the father and son checked out the shoes aisle. The suspect approached the victim, who was alone at the toys aisle, and introduced himself as one of the staff. He then attracted the girl's attention by offering her money before he hugged and kissed her several times. The frightened victim had kept quiet throughout the ordeal until the man left, pretending to get the money as promised. "Once the suspect left, the victim ran to her father and held onto his clothes tightly in fear," said the source. Sensing something amiss, he forced his daughter to tell him what happened and was shocked to hear that she was molested. Kuala Terengganu OCPD Asst Comm Idris Abd Rafar confirmed that a police report has been lodged and investigation was ongoing under Section 354 of the Penal Code.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
