MCMC PICKS UP 6 FOR SPREADING FAKE NEWS ON FACEBOOK
They were alleged to have caused panic by their false Facebook posts on halal meat
THE Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) hauled in six people nationwide yesterday for allegedly spreading fake news on Facebook.
The suspects, four women and two men, between 20 and 40 years of age, were taken from their homes in Pendang, Kedah; Kuala Pilah, Negri Sembilan; Hulu Langat, Puchong, Kapar and Seri Kembangan in Selangor.
They were questioned for allegedly disseminating fake news regarding halal and non-halal frozen meat, which were purportedly found stored together in a container at Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) in Johor.
Investigations were carried out with police assistance under Section 233 (1)(a) of the MCMC Act 1998 for improper use of network facilities or network service.
The investigations followed a public complaint filed with MCMC against the Facebook post.
MCMC Enforcement and Investigation division head Datuk Mohd Shafie Harun said the suspects had shared on their personal Facebook pages, saying that frozen halal and non-halal meats — lamb and pork — were found stored together in 74 containers.
“They had created public panic, causing Malaysians not to consume lamb, for example.
“We understood that they shared the post because they cared, but we (would like to) advise social media users to verify the authenticity of the news before sharing it,” he said at Kajang police headquarters here yesterday.
MCMC has identified 14 people, including the six arrested yesterday, for the probe and is expected to question the remaining individuals soon.
Shafie said the six were released after having their statements recorded.