THE authorities are investigating four individuals for spreading false information on the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak.

In a joint statement, police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said they will not tolerate those who disseminate fake news, and that they are closely monitoring social media posts.

“We view the spreading of false information on the virus very seriously, and we will not tolerate (those who spread such information). Anyone found to be spreading fake news will be investigated under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code for conduct with the intent to cause fear or alarm to the public.

“So far, we’ve identified four individuals who have been spreading fake news on the virus. They will also be investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for sharing offensive and menacing content.”

Police and MCMC advised people to first verify the information they receive.

“The public is urged to verify every piece of information they receive before sharing it with others. For official feedback, the public can refer to the Health Ministry or World Health Organisation’s website.”

Earlier today, Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the number of confirmed 2019-nCoV cases in Malaysia remains four, all of them Chinese nationals.

He called on people to get their news from reliable sources, and not to share unverified information online.

The viral outbreak has killed 80 people in China, with the hard-hit province of Hubei recording 24 new fatalities, and nationwide cases have exceeded 2,700.

The Chinese government has placed Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak, and other cities in Hubei under an unprecedented lockdown, affecting tens of millions of residents, to contain the disease.

The virus has caused global concern because of its similarity to the SARS, or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, pathogen, which killed hundreds across mainland China and Hong Kong in 2002 and 2003. – January 27, 2020.