Another person has been detained for alleged dissemination of fake news on the Coronavirus, bringing the total number of suspects arrested in such cases to six.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said in a statement that the 28-year-old bank clerk was arrested at 4 pm yesterday in Kuantan to facilitate investigation relating to a piece of fake news posted on a Facebook page on Jan 27.
“The authorities also seized a unit of handphone and a sim card belonging to the suspect, believed to have been used to upload the false content,” it said.
The case is being investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 which carries a maximum fine of RM50,000 or one-year imprisonment or both, and shall also liable to a further fine of RM1,000 for each day during which the offence is continued after conviction.
Earlier reports:
Jan 30, Four More Individuals Detained for Spreading Fake Coronavirus News
Jan 29, Dr M: Fake News, Hate Speeches Will Not Be Tolerated