KUALA LUMPUR: There has been no increase in Covid-19 fake news investigation papers over the past two months, showing increased public awareness on the dangers of sharing false information.
Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the police and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will continue to closely monitor the spread of fake news.
"The government views this issue seriously and will not compromise when it comes to fake news.
"The police and MCMC are currently in the process of assessing several reports received regarding fake news as per the provisions under existing laws," he said in a statement today.
Ismail Sabri, who is also the Senior Defence Minister, said as of July 18, a total of 266 investigation papers were opened by the police and MCMC in connection with the spread of fake Covid-19 news.
Of the total, he said, 172 cases were still under investigation, 30 charged in court, 12 given warning notices, 13 in the midst of trial while 17 more had pleaded guilty.
He said a total of 352 fake news denials and clarifications have been published by the Communications and Multimedia Ministry's Quick Response Team, set up to help curb the spread of fake news related to Covid-19.
He also reminded the people to be more careful before sharing unverified content, and to verify them with the Quick Response Team at 03-8911 5103 or via its website www.sebenarnya.my.