KUALA LUMPUR: An integrated enforcement committee comprising two agencies has been set up by the government to tackle cybercrime and fake news.
Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Eddin Syazlee Shith said the agencies were police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
“The cooperation and collaboration between these two agencies, specifically in sharing information and expertise, is crucial to ensure enforcement efforts to address cybercrimes and misuse of the social media can be more effective,” he told the Dewan Rakyat today.
Eddin was responding to a question by Natrah Ismail (PH- Sekijang) on steps taken by the government to deal with fake news.
To an additional question by the Sekijang MP, Eddin said the setting up of a Parliament Special Select Committee was in the works to get views from stakeholders in tackling fake news.
“This is more specific because the committee will assume a special role in addressing issues related to false news or in the production of fake news that can cause political instability in the country.”
Eddin said the government had never stopped any media agency from reporting the truth which could benefit the people.
“The government is more open and tolerant now. If the reports are true, there is no reason for the government to block it,” he said.
“But, if it is inaccurate and tries to confuse the public, action will be taken against those involved.”
Meanwhile, responding to Datuk Jalaluddin Alias (BN-Jempol) on whether the government planned to propose a new Act following the repeal of the Anti-Fake News Act 2018, he said the current laws were sufficient to address the problem.
“We already have provisions under the Penal Code as well as the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
“We have also opened investigation papers.
“Currently, about 50 cases related to fake news are under investigation,” he added.