Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has dismissed news that 13 cabinet ministers had been infected with Covid-19.
Ismail Sabri said the fake news had been circulating on social media.
“Today, I read a posting claiming that 13 cabinet ministers had been tested positive for Covid-19.
“Apart from the minister who was found positive (Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Seri Dr Zulkifli Mohamad al-Bakri), the other ministers are at their respective homes observing the mandatory quarantine.
He said other ministers currently undergoing home quarantine were close contacts of the minister and they attended the Special National Security Council Meeting together recently.
Ismail Sabri, who is also on a 14-day home quarantine, said this during a Facebook live press conference from his home.
The Defence Minister said the police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) opened 270 investigation papers on fake Covid-19 news as of today.
From this, 133 are under probe, 35 cases have been charged in court, 19 have pleaded guilty while 12 have been given warning notices.
The Communications and Multimedia Ministry’s Quick Response Team had issued 384 denials and clarifications to contain the spread of fake news on Covid-19, said Ismail Sabri
“The police as well as the MCMC are committed in their efforts to prevent the spread of fake news. We will not tolerate such act by any parties, regardless of their backgrounds, that could cause panic to the people and the country.
“The people are advised to be careful before spreading any dubious content and always check on its authenticity from official or reliable sources by calling 03-89115103 or log in to www.sebenarnya.my,” said Ismail Sabri.
He warned that legal action could be taken against those found sharing fake news. – NST