SHAH ALAM, Jan 28 — Inspector-general of police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador wants social media users to stop stirring chaos and hate from spreading fake content or news on the coronavirus outbreak, MalaysiaKini reported today.
At a press conference in Cheras today, Abdul Hamid had urged non-health experts to put their trust in the Health Ministry, when asked on the fake news epidemic regarding the viral outbreak.
“Stop, don’t do things to frighten people. There are too many ‘doctors’ now, experts who come out with ‘half-baked’ opinions that they pick up from who knows where and then spread it… scaring people.
“We must trust the Health Ministry’s statements… who are we to simply say that thousands are dead?” Abdul Hamid was quoted by the news portal.
The virus — which has killed 106 people as of Tuesday morning — had caused widespread public concern.
However, health officials have to also grapple with numerous misinformation on the disease and deaths related to the virus.
At least four people will be probed for spreading fake news on the matter, Abdul Hamid said.
Yesterday, police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) have issued a warning that stern action would be taken against those who spread fake news on the coronavirus outbreak.
Meanwhile, Abdul Hamid said Bukit Aman’s Classified Crimes Unit, which is supposed to investigate high profile cases, are inundated by social media postings aimed at inciting racial tensions.
“Stop this hate campaign. Stop! Why do we have such hate?” he was quoted.
Citing a recent assault case in Johor, Abdul Hamid said social media postings focusing on the alleged attack by a Chinese man had turned it into a racial issue.
He said there were other viral cases as well, such as those involving road bullies, and drunk drivers.
“Police must immediately act! Arrest (those who sow hate) and take them to the station.
“Trust me, I will not stand idly by… We are going to knock at their doors” Abdul Hamid said, adding that police were working closely with MCMC to identify those who spread hate.
