KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has received a decision from the Attorney General's Chambers regarding the investigation paper in the case of spreading fake news regarding the increase in fuel prices following the Middle East crisis.
In a statement Thursday (April 16), the MCMC said the Attorney General's Chambers has decided to prosecute one case at the Sepang Sessions Court while five cases have been offered compounds and four cases have been given warning letters.
Following this, the MCMC has issued five compound offers to the individuals involved with the compound value of RM25,000 each.
"All these actions are the result of investigations 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, if convicted.
"The public is reminded to always use digital platforms responsibly and not disseminate content that may affect community harmony and public order," the statement said.
On Wednesday (April 15), Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said one individual would be charged and five others issued compounds over the spread of fake news related to fuel prices, Bernama reported.
He said this when appearing as a guest on Bernama TV's Ruang Bicara programme titled "Tabayyun Dalam Krisis: Menangani Maklumat, Menjamin Kestabilan," which broadcast Wednesday night and aired live on Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) TV2 and TV Al-Hijrah.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan was also a guest on the programme.
Fahmi said the Attorney General's Chambers made the decision to charge the individual after reviewing 12 investigation papers submitted by the MCMC, with four other cases issued warning letters.
He also said the MCMC would announce further details on the action.
Fahmi also advised the public to verify the authenticity of any information before sharing it on social media. - Bernama
