Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has commenced an investigation following a report made by the Tabung Haji (TH) Board concerning the dissemination of several defamatory and inflammatory videos on social media. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil stated that MCMC has confirmed receiving the report and an investigation is being conducted under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. If convicted, the perpetrator can be fined up to RM500,000.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, individuals found to have spread the slanders are being identified for further action in accordance with the law. Fahmi clarified that the authorities are conducting investigations into the fabricated post, emphasizing the seriousness of the crime. He made these remarks during the launch of the Denyut Nadi Merdeka Campaign, organized by Prasarana Malaysia Bhd in conjunction with the 68th National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations.
Yesterday, TH group managing director and chief executive officer, Mustakim Mohamad, announced that police and MCMC reports had been filed over the matter. He expressed concerns that videos containing provocations and reckless accusations, especially regarding TH’s branding and governance initiatives, could create confusion among the general public. Mustakim explained that the branding plan aims to re-empower TH’s role as a savings institution for Muslims to perform the hajj pilgrimage.
Fahmi also advised the public not to be easily manipulated by unscrupulous parties responsible for the TH branding issue and to learn from previous cases, such as that of the late Zara Qairina Mahathir. He referenced an incident where a teacher was arrested and charged in court for slander, and another case involving an individual posing as a pathologist who spread unfounded allegations on social media. The individual in the latter case has been remanded and will be brought to court soon.
In other developments, Fahmi mentioned the food festival organized in conjunction with the Gaza Rally at Dataran Merdeka. Starting yesterday and continuing until tomorrow, the festival aims to raise humanitarian funds to aid the Palestinian people. The event is organized by the Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisation (MAPIM), an NGO authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to conduct fundraising activities. Fahmi stated that sales proceeds from the festival will be directly channeled to the people of Gaza.