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By Nor Azizah Mokhtar – January 29, 2020 @ 10:42am
KUALA LUMPUR: Police have opened five investigation papers on fake news involving coronovirus on the social media platform.
Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Director Datuk Huzir Mohamed said the first case involved a police report transmitted through the Facebook of Mr Kong Tuck Wah about a new coronavirus. This is being investigated under Section 203 (A) of the Penal Code for disclosure of information and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
“The second case involved several statements regarding the virus that were posted on the Facebook account of ‘Ibu Yati’ on Jan 26 which could lead to disruption of public order. The case is being investigated under Section 505 (b) of the Penal Code for causing public fear and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
“The third case related to the spread of the Chinese death toll which was posted on Jan 27 in the Facebook account of Roto Sardeen was found to be threatening to public order. The case is being investigated under Section 505 (b) of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998,” he said in a statement today.
Huzir said the fourth case involved the spread of fake news about the treatment of new coronavirus patients at Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital (HSNZ), Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu. The posting was made on Jan 27 at the Group Gabungan Anak Terengganu (Original) Facebook account where it was posted that some individuals were suspected of contracting the virus had been hospitalised.
“The case is also being investigated under Section 505 (b) of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
“The fifth case involved the spread of fake news related to the inmates in Sandakan Prison, Sabah who were pronounced dead as a result of being infected by the virus through Whatsapp chat groups. It is also being investigated under section 505 (b) of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998,” he said.
Husir said police are viewing seriously the spreading of rumours and fake news involving the coronovirus by irresponsible parties.
“It is undeniable that the virus issue is currently causing concern among the public. The government is also taking necessary action to address the issue accordingly.
“As such, police urge members of the public to stop any dissemination of news, articles and statements that are untrue or inaccurate on this issue,” he said.
He said the actions of any party who wanted to be the ‘champion’ on social platform in regards to the dissemination of invalid statements on the coronovirus would result in them being investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
“The PDRM would not hesitate to take action against any individual who is found to be deliberately sensationalising issues related to the virus.
“For updates on the virus, the public is advised to refer to the Health Ministry’s website or a statement issued by the ministry for accurate and valid information,” he said.
Earlier it was reported that a man has been detained for spreading fake news on the coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak.
https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2020/01/560603/coronovirus-cops-open-five-ips-fake-news
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KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 29 — A 34-year-old man was arrested in Bangi, Selangor yesterday over a Facebook post on the Wuhan coronavirus (2019-nCoV) that authorities alleged to contain false information.
According to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the man was arrested at his home. Investigators also seized a mobile phone and sim card that were believed to have been used for the offending post.
The man is under investigation for improper use of network facilities under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act, which is punishable by imprisonment of no more than a year and a fine of up to RM50,000 upon conviction.
“The stern action is among efforts by the MCMC and Royal Malaysia Police to control the spread of false news on the novel coronavirus by irresponsible individuals, which could jeopardise national stability and public peace,” the commission said.
It added that law enforcement authorities were pursuing three other people over similar offences about the coronavirus.
Earlier this week, both agencies warned that they would strictly enforce existing laws against those sharing fake news, particularly on the local 2019-nCoV situation.
While the spread of the virus has been limited in Malaysia, health authorities have been forced to repeatedly debunk false news and misinformation on social media, in an attempt to prevent public panic.
Earlier today, authorities confirmed three new 2019-nCoV infections in Malaysia, bringing the number of cases to seven overall.
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