Foreigner to be first person charged under Malaysia’s new anti-fake news law

If found guilty, he could be fined RM50,000 (FJ$162,11.88) or jailed up to six years or both.

A Danish national is expected to be the first person to be charged under Malaysia’s new anti-fake news legislation, after he allegedly made false claims about the Police’s response time to the shooting of Palestinian lecturer Fadi al-Batsh on April 21, reported The Sun Daily.

The 46-year-old of Yemeni descent will face charges today of creating and publishing false news under Section 4(1) of the Anti-Fake News Act.

If found guilty, he could be fined RM50,000 (FJ$162,11.88) or jailed up to six years or both. According to The Sun Daily, the Dane had supposedly posted a video on social media claiming he was with Mr al-Batsh when the latter was shot by two men on a motorcycle as he was walking to a mosque. The Danish alleged he made “countless calls to the Police” who arrived 50 minutes later while an ambulance came an hour later. The suspect did not know Mr alBatsh personally. The Police have denied his claims, saying they had sent a patrol car which arrived within 10 minutes.

The Sun Daily cited sources saying

The Danish national allegedly made false claims about the Police’s response time to the shooting of Palestinian lecturer Fadi alBatsh on April 21.

the Dane was jobless and had previously worked as a horse groomer in Denmark.

He came to Malaysia on a visit pass about three weeks ago and was staying with a friend near Mr al-Batsh’ home.

He was arrested on April 23, said The Sun Daily.

The Malaysian anti-fake news Bill was fast-tracked and passed on April 2 in Parliament, although it has come under fire from the opposition, political activists and journalists who fear it will be used to muzzle criticism of the government.