Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has launched 45 investigations into the dissemination of fake news on social media, as announced by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. He stated that these investigations will be forwarded to the Attorney General's Chambers for potential further action, which could involve issuing fines or pursuing legal prosecution.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi highlighted the consequences for those found guilty of spreading fake news, noting that offenders could face a compound fine of up to RM250,000, or if prosecuted in court, a fine of up to RM500,000 or imprisonment for up to two years, or both. During an event where appointment letters were presented to the advisory panel chairman of the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI), Fahmi emphasized the importance of verifying information before sharing it and encouraged the public to rely on credible sources like Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) and the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama).

Fahmi outlined MCMC's efforts to combat fake news, which include removing false content and identifying account owners in coordination with the police for statements. He reported that 386 instances of false content have been identified, involving various issues such as fuel, electricity tariffs by Tenaga Nasional Berhad, and alleged toll payments to Iran. Additionally, 15 pieces of defamatory content concerning allegations of Malaysia selling oil to the Philippines have been removed.

Fahmi urged the public to be cautious and avoid spreading unverified information, reinforcing the need for responsible dissemination of news.