NIBONG TEBAL: The government will set up a committee to monitor the spread of fake news during the Sungai Bakap by-election.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said such things happened every by-election, state election or general election.
"It is the norm... for irresponsible quarters to spread all sorts of fake news.
"We already have a team which will monitor the spread of fake news at various levels, including the ministry, government bodies such as the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and government departments such as the Information Department.
"InsyaAllah, we will have a committee this forthcoming Sungai Bakap by-election to stop the spread of fake news," he told newsmen.
Fahmi also denied that the government uses elections as a means to hand out promises to the people.
"No, it's not true. In fact, I am here today for a courtesy call on the Penang Yang Dipertua Negeri this afternoon.
"I took this opportunity to have several programmes both on the island and mainland.
"We expect there will be ministers always on the ground on the instruction of the prime minister to monitor the situation.
"I am also here to listen to issues concerning the people, such as the water issue. We will continue to serve the people."