Creators, propagators of fake news will be punished — DPM

HUTAN MELINTANG: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday warned creators and propagators of fake news that they will not escape punishment for their wrongdoings.

He said the spread of fake news, which aimed at poisoning people’s mind, was seen to have intensified of late, especially with the upcoming 14th general election (GE14).

“Fake news were usually created to influence the people and worsen a particular situation, and the propagator will get excited when the stories go viral and receive a lot of likes on social media.

“If you dare to create or propagate fake news, you will pay the price. Just wait for that legal action by the authority.”

He said this in his speech when opening the 1Malaysia internet centres of Kampung Teluk Buluh, Kampung Selekoh and Bagan Datuk town yesterday.

The Deputy Prime Minister said Internet users should have their own codes of ethics and moral compass to prevent them from being the creator and propagator of fake news.

“We have to be ethical in respecting others and in spreading only true stories, then only we can have a civilised and religious society,” he said. Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid, who is also Bagan Datuk MP, said the setting up of the 1Malaysia Internet Centre was aimed at providing Internet access to the rural community, so that they could also enjoy the ICT facilities like their urban counterparts.

He said the government had always been committed to reducing the digital gap between the urban and rural communities through various efforts and investments.

A total of 851 1Malaysia Internet centres are operating across the country so far and 67 of which are in Perak, he said.