Action will be taken against anyone who spread fake news - Ismail Sabri

The government views seriously the spread of fake news on COVID-19 and will take action against anyone involved regardless of their position, said Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

Commenting on a video that has been viraled on the social media of an exodus of Malaysian workers at the Johor Causeway, he said the fake news was spread by irresponsible individuals and caused panic among the people.

"Yesterday, an irresponsible individual had viraled on the social media fake news of a frantic rush by Malaysians at the Johor Causeway to return home, causing panic or disorder at the Johor Causeway.

"The Immigration Department denied (on the frantic rush) and explained that the video recording was that of a fire drill by the Fire and Rescue Department that was conducted on Dec 18, 2018," he said at a daily press conference on the Movement Control Order (MCO) here today.

Ismail Sabri said the police had identified the person responsible and legal action would be taken.

Meanwhile, he said, to date, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) have opened 207 investigation papers pertaining to fake news, 23 of which have been brought to the court. - BERNAMA