PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has recorded a statement from an person suspected of spreading fake news regarding the alleged supply of about 329,000 barrels of diesel to the Philippines.
In a statement yesterday, MCMC said authorities confirmed that the diesel belonged to trading company Vitol, and not PETRONAS or the Malaysian government.
“The communication device believed to have been used to upload the content has been seized to assist in the investigation,” MCMC said, Bernama reported.
The agency said that as of April 14, 47 investigation papers had been opened involving the spread of fake news concerning the global energy crisis on social and digital media platforms following the Middle East conflict, with all cases under further investigation.
Among other fake content that has gone viral are allegations that fuel prices have exceeded announced rates, electricity tariff hikes, claims that Malaysian vessels were paying tolls to Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, and claims that Budi95 subsidies were provided to Singaporeans.
The investigation is being carried out under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588), which provides for a maximum fine of RM500,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both upon conviction.
