THE government will begin nabbing those spreading fake news, said Mohamed Hanipa Maidin.

The deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department said the move is to stop fear-mongering and stirring racial and religious tension.

Putrajaya will also consider passing new laws to counter fake news, said the de facto deputy minister in charge of law.

“We have a special committee involving the police and the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission looking into the spread of fake news.

“From today, this committee will be more effective and start ‘hunting” those who spread fake news.

“However, the government is firm that it will not reintroduce the Anti-Fake News Act which was abolished,” he told reporters in Putrajaya today.

Earlier this month, Attorney-General Tommy Thomas warned against the spread of bogus information relating to the Covid-19 outbreak on social media.

He said those who did so would be investigated and might face charges under the Penal Code for fear-mongering.

Freedom of speech and right not to censor the internet are not a licence to propagate lies, he said.

Last week, police opened 26 investigation papers into the circulation of fake news on social media about the Covid-19 coronavirus.

Hanipa said the government is willing to accept criticism but won’t compromise when it comes to fake news and slander.

“It is not that we can’t be criticised. Anyone can criticise the governmen, and we accept that. But not fake news and slander, as these would cause tension among the people,” he said.

In recent days, social media users wrongly accused Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng of chairing a Tabung Haji meeting.

He said the photo was actually of Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa visiting Lim at the Finance Ministry.

“But the spread of such photos brought led to accusations against Tabung Haji.”

He also expressed regret that PAS leaders were spreading false news about DAP. – February 21, 2020.