KUCHING: Police are investigating a Facebook post allegedly spreading fake news with regard to the number of AstraZeneca vaccines received by the state.

District police chief Ashmon Bajah said the probe followed a police report received from a State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) staff on the fake news.

In the Facebook post, the user claimed that some 114,300 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines were missing from the state’s quota, adding that only 38,500 doses were delivered to Sarawak.

“An investigation paper has been opened under Section 4 (1) of the Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance (No. 2) 2021.

“The ordinance provides for a fine not exceeding RM100,000 or imprisonment not exceeding three years or both,” Ashmon said in a statement today (June 9).

He said preliminary investigations found that the Facebook post was posted to an ‘awareness group’.

“This statement can lead to confusion and negative public perception of the government, particularly the state government.

“This unethical move also tarnished the state government which is working hard in preparing sufficient vaccines for the people.

“The police, together with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will track down the responsible individual and bring him to justice,” he added.