Police will employ the Anti-Fake News Act 2018 in its probe into a hoax claiming that the Johor Crown Prince would be “paying” for shoppers’ groceries at several supermarkets in the state.
The fake news of a purported RM200 cash aid from the Tunku Mahkota Johor (TMJ) for each shopper at Econsave Pontian went viral yesterday, followed by similar claims of Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim footing the bill of shoppers at several other hypermarkets, including in Kluang.
The hoax which went viral on social media had led to pandemonium at each hypermarket yesterday as hordes of shoppers rushed in and filled their trolleys to the brim.
Johor police chief Datuk Mohd Khalil Kader Mohd said the police were first alerted to a large gathering of people at the hypermarket in Kluang.
“Our investigation revealed that the stories (on Tunku Ismail’s purported aid) were fake.
“Investigation would also be initiated under Section 4 of Anti-Fake News Act 2018 which carries a maximum of RM500,000 or jail up six years, or both, upon conviction.”
At the same time, police would also investigate the case under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 which carries a maximum fine of RM50,000 or up to a year’s jail, or both, upon conviction.
“I implore the public not to be easily duped by unverified news,” Khalil said.
The Star reported that some 1,000 people from Pekan Nenas, Penerok, Ramba and Benut gathered at the Econsave Pontian hypermarket from 9am to wait for Tunku Ismail.
The AEON Big Kluang supermarket was also jammed packed with shoppers after the fake messages circulated on social media.
Earlier report: Apr 12, Rumour of Another TMJ Spree Sees Hundreds Flocking to Econsave Hypermart