KUALA LUMPUR: The police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) have opened 270 investigation papers on cases of fake news relating to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said of the total, 133 were still being investigated while 35 have been charged in court.
"Meanwhile, 19 individuals have pleaded guilty and 12 others were issued with warning notices.
"At the same time, MCMC's Quick Response Team (PRP) has made 388 denials and clarifications of fake news," he said at a live press conference from his residence today.
Ismail Sabri advised the public to be cautious before disseminating unverified content, and reminded them to check its veracity.
"If the information is untrue, the one spreading it could also face legal action."
He added that the public can verify news on the portal www.sebenarnya.my or provide information about fake news to the PRP via their hotline at 03-89115103.