Police to act on fake news

JOHOR BARU: Police will investigate the fake news that went viral Thursday (April 12) of the Tunku Mahkota Johor (TMJ) "paying" for shoppers' groceries at Econsave Pontian.

Johor police chief Comm Datuk Mohd Khalil Kader Mohd (pic) said police will investigate the incident which caused pandemonium following messages saying that each person would receive RM200 from TMJ Tunku Ismail to spend at the hypermarket.

"Investigations revealed that the message was fake. Police have also detected the circulation of similar messages on social media involving several other locations in the state," he said in a statement on Friday (April 13).

Comm Mohd Khalil said the spreading of false information or fake news and messages could be investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

He said the offence was punishable by a maximum fine of RM50,000, a jail term not exceeding one year, or both, upon conviction.

He added that investigations could also be carried out under the Anti-Fake News Act 2018, which carries a fine of up to RM500,000 or a jail term of up to six years or both upon conviction.

"Members of the public are advised to get verification before sharing a post. Do not believe in fake news until you can confirm its authenticity," he said.

He added that the Johor police would not compromise with any individual, social media user or any news portal which issued false statements or articles that could cause confusion to the people.

The Star reported that the Econsave Pontian hypermarket and the AEON Big Kluang supermarket were jammed with shoppers after fake messages circulated on social media that each person would receive RM200 from Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim to spend.

Econsave southern region general manager Mas Imran Adam said some 1,000 people from Pekan Nenas, Penerok, Ramba and Benut gathered at its Pontian outlet from 9am to wait for the Tunku Mahkota Johor.