KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has fined an individual RM25,000 for posting false content related to the Tilawah and Hafazan Al-Quran ceremony this year.
MCMC said the individual was fined under theCommunications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA 1998).
"The person uploaded a Facebook status falsely claiming that the annual government event would not take place due to external influences.
"He also touched on sensitive issues such as race, religion, and royalty," MCMC said in a statement today.
MCMC said Section 233 of the CMA 1998 prohibits communications that are obscene, indecent, false, threatening or offensive with the intent to harm or harass others.
"Offenders can face fines of up to RM50,000, imprisonment for up to one year, or both," it said.
MCMC emphasised its serious stance on the misuse of network services and social media applications, stressing that strict actions will be taken against those spreading false information.
"The public is reminded to avoid disseminating unverified or false content and to consult official sources for accurate information," it said.