PUTRAJAYA will be coming down hard on those who spread fake news on Covid-19 through social media, said Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob today.

The senior minister said since yesterday the police and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) have opened 207 investigative papers related to Covid-19 fake news.

“Of these, 23 cases have been filed in court.

“There are still irresponsible parties spreading fake news. For example, yesterday a video clip of supposed clashes at the country’s borders.

“I am disappointed by the actions of some parties, including politicians who transmitted the video allegedly involving a group of Malaysians returning from Singapore at the Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) in Johor.”

He said the Immigration Department has denied any such occurrence and described the video being of a fire prevention training exercise held on December 18 at BSI.

He added the government takes serious the spread of fake news that can cause public anxiety.

“The Johor Immigration Department has lodged a police report. The police and MCMC will take action against those involved.”

Malaysia has recorded 67 deaths with two new fatalities as of yesterday.

The country yesterday recorded 109 new infections, bringing the total cases to 4,228. – April 10, 2020.