KUALA LUMPUR: Strict action awaits those who spread fake news on the novel coronavirus’s (2019-nCoV) outbreak.
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad gave this warning following the flooding of fake news on social media related to the virus spread.
He said one such viral posting had stated that non-Muslim visitors to Malaysia, in particular those from China, could not enter mosques as they were carriers or spread the virus to the facilities.
“The government has issued no such rule for mosques and museums. This is not a government policy.
“This is an irresponsible act and the government will take action against those who purposely disseminate fake news to scare Malaysians and cause hatred among the races in Malaysia.”
Dr Mahathir said this during a press conference after the cabinet meeting here today.
So far police have opened five probes into the spread of rumours and fake news related to the virus.
Dr Mahathir said the government upheld media freedom but would not tolerate misinformation.
“Although we believe in the freedom of the press, the press can’t agitate people and cause them to be antagonistic towards each other. We will take action against those people.
“Spreading fake news, telling lies, all these things to cause problems in Malaysia will not be tolerated.”