KUALA LUMPUR: Stern action must be taken against those spreading fake news, hoaxes and misinformation, as they cause unnecessary fear and panic among the people.
Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) senior vice chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) should intensity efforts to deter the spread of false news.
He said this following the recent dissemination of a false report on a supposed bus crash along Jalan Genting Highlands-Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.
A 19-second audio clip, along with a nearly 5-minute-long video clip of a bus crash which occurred in 2010 on the North-South Expressway near Pedas, Negri Sembilan was widely circulated via Whatsapp.
The man in the audio clip claimed that the accident, which had “just happened” near Genting Highlands, had claimed many lives.
The director of the Bukit Aman Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department later denied that the incident had taken place.
Lee called on the MCMC to take stern action against the irresponsible party under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
“Many were concerned about this, because they had friends and relatives who have gone up to Genting. Besides, this is the holiday season when there is an increased number of travellers via bus.
“It is totally irresponsible of the person to rehash the video clip of a past tragedy and make such claims. It has created a lot of anxiety, fear, panic and caused uneasiness among the public.
“The MCMC should enforce section 233 and carry out an investigation to check and identify where this message originated from. This is important because if no action is taken, then people would continue such acts.
“It is high time that something be done. We must put a stop to all of this. MCMC should issue a very stern warning to these people,” he told the New Straits Times today.
The MCMC, he said, should be empowered to act against these perpetrators, which could call for the act to be amended.
“There is a tendency for people to believe news involving road accidents in Malaysia, because of the general perception that we have a very poor road safety record.
“It is not uncommon to see bus drivers speeding on the highway, for instance. So, the person behind this false news knew this will capture a lot of interest.
“Section 233 of the act itself does not give sufficient weight to the commission to take any action. (So) they have to amend it to give more power to MCMC to do something about it.
“We appreciate the fact that there is freedom of speech, but not to the extent that it can cause fear and panic or create chaos,” he added.
Lee advised the public to refrain from spreading false news and to always verify the authenticity of information they receive.
“They should check with the police, fire department or the media. It is only when you don’t check and involve yourself in the spread of the news that causes mass panic and fear among people,” Lee said.