KUCHING: Members of the public are advised to stop spreading fake or unverified news on social media platforms.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg yesterday warned those doing so would end up being fined, jailed or both.
“The police and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will not hesitate to act against those found responsible for doing so,” he told a press conference on the state’s latest Covid-19 control measures at his office in Wisma Bapa Malaysia.
He said those suspected of spreading fake or unverified news would be investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) 1998.
“The act provides a maximum fine of RM50,000 or imprisonment for up to a year, or both, and a further fine of RM1,000 for every day during which the offence is continued after conviction,” he said.
When asked on the health condition of Sarikei MP Wong Ling Biu of the Democratic Action Party (DAP), he said Wong was being monitored by the State Health Department.
“The hospital (Hospital Sibu) is monitoring his condition now,” said Abang Johari.
In a Bernama report, Sarawak Health Director Dr Chin Zin Hing said Wong had been hospitalised as a Patient-Under-Investigation (PUI) as he is suspected for Covid-19.
It is said that Wong attended several political meetings in Kuala Lumpur from Feb 29 until March 2 during the country’s political turmoil that week before flying back to Sibu.
