SIBU: Sibu Division Disaster Management Committee (SDDMC) coordinator Dr Annuar Rapaee has refuted the viral fake news regarding positive Covid-19 cases detected at two schools here.
The unverified news stated that 52 and 43 positive cases were detected in SK Abang Ali and SK St Mary respectively.
The Local Government and Housing Assistant Minister also expressed his disappointment on how the unverified news was published by one of the national newspapers which further complicated the situation.
Dr Annuar advised the people to be cautious with unverified news on social media regarding Covid-19 cases in the district.
He explained that the schools were closed not because of positive cases detected there, but because they are located within the Jalan Awang and Hilir clusters.
“I have actually mentioned in the Covid-19 daily case update for Sibu district that both primary schools are located in the same area and were directed to be closed as they are in an outbreak area.
“Please take note that this is not a playful thing but a serious matter. It can cause panic and anxiety among the people here,” he said.
He also reminded the people to go to the proper channels to obtain information.
In the meantime, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) has lodged a police report on the spreading of the fake news at Sibu Central police station on Sunday (Mar 21).
Its representative Abang Abdul Hamid Abang Bolhasan, accompanied by other members, lodged a police report so that action can be taken against those responsible for spreading the fake news.
Sibu district police chief ACP Stanley Jonathan Ringgit confirmed the report when contacted.
“Once again. I would like to remind the community here to not spread unverified news,” Stanley said.
