SEVEN investigation papers have been opened regarding the spread of insulting content against religion, race and the royal institutions from December 1 last year to January 6, Deputy Communications and Digital Minister Teo Nie Ching said.

She said the action was taken by a special team set up on December 1 last year to monitor the spread of fake news in the media.

“Thus far, seven investigation papers have been opened by the police and (submitted to) the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) for further action. The offences involve articles related to rulers, race and religion,” she told reporters after a working visit to the Johor Broadcasting Department at RTM Johor in Johor Baru today.

Teo, who is also Kulai MP, said the government has no plans to restrict people’s access to the digital world through the various social media platforms.

“On the contrary, we want to improve digital literacy so that the people can get useful information, especially through local news agencies such as RTM, Bernama, and the Information Department,” she said.

Teo also said the ministry is ready to discuss with local telecommunications companies to upgrade the quality of internet services, especially in public and private university campuses across the country.

“If any university is facing internet network problems, I welcome it to contact us so that we can hold a meeting,” she said.

“We will work with the telecommunications companies to improve their services to the students.”

Yesterday, Universiti Malaya Student Union general executive Muhammad Noraiman Zulkifli was quoted as saying that the problem of internet access at institutions of higher learning has yet to be solved, although many parties claim that it has been improved and reaching a satisfactory level. – Bernama, January 8, 2023.