Refrain from spreading unverified news on 1MDB - MCMC

The public have been urged to refrain from spreading modified photos, unverified news or any speculation regarding investigations on national strategic investment company, 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) through social media.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission in a statement today said, this included sharing of information mobile messaging application, WhatsApp.

“The sharing or spreading of such material is an offence under Section 211 or 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 which carries a fine of RM50,000, a one-year jail sentence or both if found guilty.

On Wednesday, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein had urged all parties not to blow the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) allegation against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak out of proportion and leave the matter with the special task force set up to investigate.

Hishammuddin, who is also UMNO vice-president said, he was confident the issue will be resolved soon as the task force comprised of individuals with high calibre.

Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar had also previously said, the murder of Arab Malaysian Banking Group (now known as AmBank) founder, Hussain Ahmad Najadi, is not linked to the investigation on 1MDB.