SHAH ALAM, Jan 30 — Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the authorities can use existing laws to take action against people who spread unverified or fake news that can threaten public order and national security, Malay Mail reported today.
Following the recent arrests against those who share fake viral messages on the novel coronavirus outbreak, the minister said the Anti-Fake News Act was already abolished as the existing laws are sufficient.
“As for whether there are laws to combat the spread of fake news, this issue does not arise at all and the police are in the process of taking actions using existing laws,” he was quoted during a press conference after visiting an Information Department booth disseminating information on coronavirus at the flea market in Lorong Kulit, in George Town, Penang.
Gobind had advised the public to stop spreading unverified news on social media and had warned of the legal consequences if the news shared is proven to be false.
“The public should only look at official sources and the Health Ministry is having regular daily press conferences on this issue, sometimes more than once a day,” he said, adding that verified information can be obtained from various channels, including official media Bernama and RTM, as well as other local media.
“We also have a portal, sebenarnya.my, the public can go to this website to verify the news they received through messages and social media.”
Gobind said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is constantly issuing notices and releasing verified information for the public.
He said since January 25, Bernama has published 149 articles, released 42 news reports on television, 30 infographics and six videos on the novel coronavirus.
As for RTM, he said there were news coverage and talk shows, including 10 infographics and 42 videos on the virus.
“Now we have info on wheels that will be going around public places in all states to explain about coronavirus,” he said, adding that 180 programmes will be held nationwide daily with a minimum of four programmes in each state per day.
