PUTRAJAYA will take action against anyone spreading fake news on the Novel coronavirus outbreak originating from Wuhan, China, said Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The prime minister was responding to a viral message that certain mosques and museums have closed their doors to non-Muslims tourists.

“This is not a government policy, we never stopped anyone from visiting,” he said.

“This was carried out by some irresponsible parties. The government will take action against those who spread fake news and who want to incite hate among the races,” he said in Putrajaya today.

Earlier today the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said it had detained a suspect on suspicion of spreading fake news about the virus.

A statement issued by MCMC stated the suspect, aged 34, was arrested in Bangi, Selangor, at 4pm yesterday for a posting that was uploaded on a Facebook page on January 26.

Meanwhile, the police confirmed that they have opened five investigation papers on fake news regarding the outbreak.

Dr Mahathir said that even though the media believe in freedom of the press they should be more responsible. 

“It means the press shouldn’t agitate the people and antagonise society. 

“Press freedom is maintained in this country, but spreading fake news, lies and other things in order to cause trouble will not be tolerated.”

Dr Mahathir also said that so far there are no worsening cases of the virus. – January 29, 2020.