COVID-19: Public awareness on the dangers of spreading fake news increases

There has been no increase in COVID-19 fake news investigation papers over the past 10 days, showing increased public awareness on the dangers of sharing false information.

Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob hoped that the awareness would continue and Malaysia would no longer face the issue of spreading false news that was detrimental to the country and its people.

"I would like to remind you again, confirm the news before sharing and I hope this awareness continues," he said at a press conference here on Thursday.

Ismail Sabri said that as of June 4, a total of 266 investigation papers had been opened by the Royal Malaysian Police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) on the spread of fake news.

Of the total, he said, 179 were still under investigation while another 30 had been indicted in court with 18 pleading guilty while 11 were issued warning notices.

He explained that 317 denials and explanations of fake news were made available to the public by the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia (MOH) Quick Response Team (PRP) set up to help curb the spread of fake news related to COVID-19.

Ismail Sabri said the public is also advised to check the authenticity of the news at ‪03-89115103‬ or visit www.sebenarnya.my.