Ayer Kuning: Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has issued a stern warning to the public, particularly influencers, to refrain from posting obscene, extreme, defamatory, and fake news that could potentially lead to legal action. This caution comes ahead of the Ayer Kuning State Legislative Assembly (DUN) by-election scheduled for April 26, with the nomination day set for this Saturday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the amendment to the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which came into effect on February 11, imposes a fine of up to RM500,000 on perpetrators if convicted. Fahmi conveyed this during a media briefing after attending the Mini Akademi Asas Penerangan dan Sembang Santai Menteri Komunikasi Bersama Komuniti Madani DUN Ayer Kuning Program. He highlighted the case of an influencer who gained notoriety through a video alleging that the national anthem, “Negaraku,” was sung in a language other than the national language at a school in Perak.

Fahmi informed that the police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) had launched an investigation into the matter. The influencer in question has been detained for further investigation by the police, underscoring the seriousness of the government’s warning.

The warning was underscored by the presence of Information Department director-general Julina Johan. The media has previously reported the arrest of a political influencer by Perak police over claims that students in a Perak school sang the national anthem in Chinese.

Fahmi also advised the public to verify information through mainstream media before sharing it on platforms such as WhatsApp. “Do not become a conduit to slander on matters that are not yet certain or uncertain,” he emphasized, urging cautiousness in sharing unverified information.