PUTRAJAYA: Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob who provides updates on fake news as part of his daily briefing on non-health Covid-19 issues, has himself fallen victim.
He said this was in relation to him purportedly saying that Singaporeans were not welcome in Malaysia.
"I've also been a victim myself. I purportedly said Singaporeans are not welcomed in Malaysia (in the daily Press conference). The footage however was dubbed. Those who always follow this PC would be able to identify how I sound, but Singaporeans may not be so familiar with my voice.
"The footage made it sound like I told Singaporeans to stay away from Malaysia if they are here (in Malaysia) just to fill petrol and have dinner," he told a press conference today.
He said that Malaysia's borders were closed to all nations, not only Singapore, and such fake news could undermine the relationship with their neighbour across the causeway.
Ismail, who is Defence Minister, said he had lodged a police report as well as a report with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission on the matter and hoped they would be able to nab the culprits behind the stunt.d
Earlier, he said police and MCMC had thus far opened 266 investigation papers (IPs) on fake news related to Covid-19 pandemic.
He said of the total, 179 were still under investigation; 30 had been charged in court; 11 were issued with warning notices; and 18 people pleaded guilty to the offence under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
"There were no new IPs opened in the last two weeks, which shows that the public awareness on not sharing fake news has improved."
Ismail Sabri said the public should also verify any news they come across through the portal Sebenarnya.my.
"I hope the public will verify the news before disseminating unverified content. Do not share information if you are not sure (of its veracity). The government views this matter seriously and will not compromise with those sharing fake news."
He said MCMC, through its fast response troop (PRP) has also issued 332 clarifications on fake news related to Covid-19 so far.
Section 233 of the Act carries a maximum fine of RM50,000 or a jail term not exceeding one year, or both.