The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission is taking action against 1,500 fake accounts.
Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has received complaints against fake social media accounts, which were used for dissemination of fake news and contents.
According to MCMC, as many as 1,500 fake social media accounts, among them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, have been identified between January and June this year.
“The false information included on political issues and about politicians in this country,” Salleh said.
“Besides deletion, further investigations will also be carried out for law enforcement, including prosecution,” he added.
Salleh said the move will be carried out through the cooperation of the three social media platforms.
He also urged netizens who come across suspected fake accounts or those publishing fake news or information to play their role in curbing the menace by using the “report” facility provided by the social media concerned, so that the accounts could be removed immediately.
Salleh revealed that the MCMC was also looking at getting the online media to register with MCMC, adhering to certain criteria set.
“Any portal or website which can be categorised as online media need to be registered so that they can be monitored and action taken against them if they report fake or malicious news,” he said.