FAKE news was blamed for the pandemonium at a hypermarket in Pontian, Johor, recently.
Shoppers flooded the outlet early in the morning in anticipation of free shopping of up to RM200 worth of groceries, as disseminated by irresponsible parties on WhatsApp.
After filling up their trolley with goods, people were disappointed to find out that the news was fake.
They abandoned their shopping carts, leaving the hypermarket’s staff with the burden of putting the goods back on the shelves.
The entire thing caused disruptions. For the hypermarket, it lost productivity and business.
Shoppers wasted a lot of time that could have been spent on something more fruitful.
Fake news can cause more serious repercussions, including causing social rifts and the erosion of trust.
Thus, it is timely that the Anti-Fake News Act was passed.
Those who spread fake news need to know that what they are doing is a crime. They face a heavy penalty if convicted: a maximum fine of RM500,000 or up to six years’ jail.
With the general election on May 9, people should be more vigilant about fake news as it can cause disharmony. They should not trust rumours.
Avoid spreading news from suspicious sources or news that has not been verified as it can cause panic and tension.
Thomas Foo
Subang Jaya, Selangor