POLICE have opened five investigation papers on the spread of fake news on the novel coronavirus outbreak originating from Wuhan, China.

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Huzir Mohamed said police began investigations on January 25, starting with the Facebook page of the username “Kong Tuck Wah”. 

Kong is being investigated for spreading false information, Huzir said in a statement today.

“If convicted he can be fined RM1 million, or jailed for one year, or both. The case is also being investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) for wrongful use of network facilities.”

Three other Facebook accounts under investigation are those with the usernames “Ibu Yati”, “Roti Sardeen” and “Gabungan Anak Terengganu”.

These accounts allegedly spread fake news on their Facebook pages by making claims about arrivals of Chinese tourists who were suspected of being infected.

These Facebook accounts are being investigated for inciting fear among the public, as well as the CMA for wrongful use of network facilities.

Police have also opened a fifth investigation paper on the spread of fake news about the virus outbreak through WhatsApp.

Huzir said the government is already taking all measures to address the outbreak and that people should not spread news not been verified by the authorities.

“We won’t hesitate to take action against anyone trying to be an internet hero,” he said.

Earlier, the MCMC had also detained a suspect for allegedly spreading fake news on the novel coronavirus outbreak.

A statement issued by MCMC today said the suspect, aged 34, was arrested in Bangi, Selangor, at 4pm yesterday for a post uploaded on a Facebook on January 26.

Yesterday, the Ministry of Health said three more novel coronavirus positive cases have been reported in Malaysia, bringing the total of positive cases to seven.

All seven cases involve Chinese nationals, director-general of health Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said. – January 29, 2020.