PETALING JAYA: A viral message claiming that “the Ministry of Communications and Information” is giving away free 100GB Internet data in conjunction with the country’s Merdeka celebrations is fake.
The Malaysian Department of Information (Jabatan Penerangan Malaysia) has denounced the message as false in an announcement on Facebook, adding that the fake message bearing the department’s logo had been shared by multiple users on WhatsApp.
The message claimed that users will receive free 100GB Internet data quota from Aug 1 to Dec 31, thanks to the aforementioned ministry’s collaboration with cellular network operators.
According to the post, users have to click on a link that will lead to a Facebook-like posting with a “Check” button, ostensibly to ascertain their eligibility, as well as comments by others claiming that they were able to successfully redeem the offer.
The Department of Information reiterated that the details contained in the fake message were not true and urged members of the public not to share the message. It stressed that action can be taken against those who have been found responsible for spreading fake news on social media.
Previously, the Ministry of Human Resources (MOHR) also posted a warning urging members of the public not to click on a link in a message claiming that users can redeem RM500 for answering a questionnaire for an initiative called "New Coronavirus Relief Fund". The link will lead users to a fake website using MOHR’s logo.
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