PUTRAJAYA (Oct 16): The Inland Revenue Board (IRB) has never issued any statement or text message using the name of its chief executive officer as circulated through the WhatsApp application.

It said that it takes a serious view of the misuse of the IRB CEO’s name on any platform or any use that may mislead the public.

"Thus, I would like to emphasise that IRB has never issued any statement on this matter and the public is advised not to disseminate false news or information," it said in a statement on Wednesday.

The IRB said in general, any dissemination of fake news can be prosecuted under Section 505 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act (AKM).

No texting through the WhatsApp application (about IRB) can be done without its permission.

The IRB will not hesitate to take strict action against any party involved in accordance with the provisions of the law in force.

"The IRB reminds the public to be careful with any form of WhatsApp text, email, suspicious link and to report the message and block the number," it added.

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