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PETALING JAYA: As of Friday (March 12), those who create, publish or spread false news related to Covid-19 or the Emergency proclamation could face a fine, a jail sentence or both, according to the Federal Government Gazette.
According to the new Emergency Ordinance (Essential Powers) (No. 2) 2021 published on Thursday (March 11), those who spread false news “by any means, with the intention of causing, or that may cause fear or alarm to the public “could face a fine not exceeding RM 100,000 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding three years, or both, if convicted.
The Ordinance states that the courts can order the removal of a post if it is deemed false news.
Courts could also order the perpetrators to issue an apology, of which failure to do so could result in an additional fine of up to RM50,000, a jail term of less than one year, or both.
The Ordinance also states that the law applies to anyone involved in the spread of fake news both within the country and abroad, regardless of their nationality, since the fake news in question affects Malaysia or a Malaysian citizen.
The bulletin defines false news as “any news, information, data and reports, which are totally or partially false related to Covid-19 or the Emergency proclamation, whether in the form of characteristics, images or audio recordings or in any other form able to suggest words or ideas “.
In the case of a continuing crime, perpetrators could face an additional fine not to exceed RM 1,000 for each day the crime continues after conviction.
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