IT is not necessary to bring back the anti-fake news law to fight against inaccurate reports, said Gobind Singh Deo.

The communications and multimedia minister said Malaysia has enough laws in place to counter fake news, including that on the current coronavirus outbreak.

Pakatan Harapan last year repealed the Anti-Fake News Act, which was introduced by the Barisan Nasional administration just before the 2018 general election.

“We repealed the Anti-Fake News Act as we have enough laws to counter this problem,” Gobind told a press conferece in George Town today.

“The question of introducing a new law does not rise. The government can invoke current laws… police, too, have taken action using current laws.”

Following the spread of the coronavirus, which was first detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and police have arrested five individuals for spreading false information on the outbreak.

Earlier today, Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said the government may reconsider its stance on the anti-fake news law following false reports on the virus.

“It is something we may want to rethink, if necessary. It is up to the government to decide,” he told the media in Kuala Lumpur.

He pointed out, however, that Putrajaya has been quick to act against fake news by using laws such as the Penal Code and Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

“Police have taken action, which is forceful enough.” – January 30, 2020.