THE Johor Health Department yesterday denied issuing a statement on a Covid-19 case allegedly involving a police officer in Bukit Besar, Kota Tinggi.

It said it has lodged a police report over the matter.

The department urged the public not to spread unverified information that could cause panic.

“Spreading fake news is an offence under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which provides for a maximum fine of RM50,000, or imprisonment not exceeding one year, or both, and liable to a further fine of RM1,000 for each day the offence is continued,” it said in a statement.

It was reported that social media was abuzz with talk that the cop was suspected of contracting the disease while working in Singapore.

State Health Department director Dr Aman Rabu said posting a patient’s personal information on social media is a violation of their right to privacy.

“The department is not involved in the disclosure of such information, and investigation into the case is ongoing.” – Bernama, February 13, 2020.