Istana Negara warns fake news spreader using Agong's photos

KUALA LUMPUR: Istana Negara will not hesitate to take stern action against irresponsible parties who use names or involve the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and such institution to spread false news for political or personal gain.

Comptroller of the Royal Household for Istana Negara, Datuk Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin said if necessary, a report will be made to the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) for further action under Sections 211 and 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

Ahmad Fadil asserted that the Istana Negara would always monitor and takes seriously of untrue statements made by some individuals to the media using names and spreading photos of Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Istana Negara through the WhatsApp application.

"It is informed that Istana Negara views serious the actions of irresponsible parties who use the name or involve His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Istana Negara institution to spread false news either for political or personal gain.

"Such irresponsible actions not only tarnish the credibility of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Istana Negara, in fact it may also upset the people and threaten peace in the country from various angles," he said in a statement on Monday.

Commenting further, Ahmad Fadil said Istana Negara advised that the people should not easily panic and believe the false news that has been spread.

He added that Istana Negara also advised that the fake news should not be shared to avoid action by PDRM and MCMC.