Account used to upload 'news' on 'missing' MAS aircraft fake - MCMC

The account used to upload 'news' claiming that a Malaysia Airlines (MAS) aircraft has gone missing from radar is fake, says the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

MMMC Chief Security Officer of Network, Enforcement and Advocacy, Zulkarnain Mohd Yasin said the fake news was uploaded by someone using the fictitious name 'Sharifah Sofia Syed Rashid'.

The MCMC is tracking down the person who uploaded the fake news that the MAS aircraft disappeared from radar while on the way from Kuala Lumpur to Melbourne.

It is investigated under section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for using network facilities or application to spread false news with intent to disturb others.

"The MCMC would like to warn the public not to spread, upload, or believe any news that has not been confirmed as genuine in order to avoid confusion," he said in a statement, here today.

Zulkarnain urged those with information about the account holder or any related party to make a complaint at aduanskmm@cmc.gov.my.

The Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) today dismissed rumours that MAS flight MH149 from Kuala Lumpur to Melbourne last night disappeared from radar and could not be contacted.

Two days ago, DCA director-general Datuk Seri Azharuddin Abdul Rahman denied 'news' that a MAS aircraft which left KLIA at 10.07 pm last night safely landed in Melbourne at 8.21 am local time (5.21 am Malaysia time).

The 'woman' who uploaded the 'news' also received condemnation from Facebook users for allegedly trying to spread fake news.