PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has identified a total of 441 instances of fake news related to the global energy crisis that have been flagged for removal.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the public submitted official complaints regarding the matter to the MCMC.
“Requests for the removal of such content have been forwarded to social media platforms. Out of the 441 contents, 54 investigation papers have been opened.
“Twelve investigation papers have been submitted to the Attorney General’s Chambers for review and further action, while another 42 investigation papers are still ongoing,” said Fahmi during a post-Cabinet media briefing here on Wednesday (Apr 15).
MCMC has previously warned about sharing fake content, such as allegations of fuel price increases exceeding the announced rates, electricity tariff hikes, claims that Malaysian vessels were paying tolls to Iran in the Strait of Hormuz and the provision of BUDI95 subsidies to Singaporeans.
MCMC said it views seriously any misuse of digital platforms aimed at misleading the public through the dissemination of false information, adding that strict action would be taken against any party found to have violated the law.
Investigations on this will be under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588), which provides for a maximum fine of RM500,000, or imprisonment for up to two years, or both, upon conviction.
Earlier on Wednesday (Apr 15), MCMC stated that it recorded a statement from an individual suspected of spreading fake news regarding the alleged supply of about 329,000 barrels of diesel to the Philippines.
MCMC said authorities confirmed that the diesel belonged to the trading company Vitol, not to Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) or the Malaysian Government.
