JOHOR BARU: The Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has detained a total of 12 individuals throughout the country for posting fake news on the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).

Johor Housing, Communication and Multimedia Committee chairman Dzulkelfy Ahmad said so far, the MCMC and police had received and were investigating some 36 cases of fake news on the coronavirus.

He pointed out that the cases were being investigated under Section 233 of the Communication and Multimedia Act 1998 by the MCMC, while the police had classified the case under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code.

“The authorities are also able to take action against individuals who help in spreading fake news.

“It is better for everyone to check the authenticity of a news story before sharing it, ” he said in a statement here Wednesday (Feb 5).

Dzulkefly urged the public to use service portal, Sebenarnya.my, which was developed by MCMC, to check the validity of a news story.

He added that the state Information Department was also carrying out its “Info On Wheels” (IOW) programme to create awareness on the coronavirus.

Dzulkefly said this included handing out pamphlets and also informing the public on the steps to take to avoid spreading the virus.

“A total of 52 IOW programmes have been carried out by the department throughout Johor.

“I see this programme as a step forward in curbing the spread of fake news by irresponsible quarters, ” he said.

The Kota Iskandar assemblyman urged all 138 Harapan Malaysia Community to work with the department by giving out pamphlets at shopping malls, bus terminals, public markets and others.

Dzulkefly also reminded the public to get correct information through reliable sources such as the Health Ministry and World Health Organisation (WHO).

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/02/05/12-detained-so-far-by-mcmc-over-coronavirus-fake-news