MCMC Probes Individual Over Fake News On Diesel Shipment To Philippines

PUTRAJAYA, April 15 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has recorded a statement from an individual suspected of spreading fake news regarding the alleged supply of about 329,000 barrels of diesel to the Philippines.

In a statement today, MCMC said authorities had confirmed that the diesel belonged to trading company, Vitol, and not to Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) or the Malaysian Government.

“The communication device believed to have been used to upload the content has been seized to assist in the investigation,” MCMC said.

The agency said that as of April 14, 47 investigation papers had been opened involving the spread of fake news concerning the global energy crisis on social and digital media platforms following the conflict in West Asia, with all cases under further investigation.

Among other fake content that has gone viral are allegations of fuel price increases exceeding the announced rates, electricity tariff hikes, claims that Malaysian vessels were paying tolls to Iran in the Strait of Hormuz and the provision of BUDI95 subsidies to Singaporeans.

The investigation is being carried out under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588), which provides for a maximum fine of RM500,000, or imprisonment for up to two years, or both, upon conviction.

MCMC stressed that it views seriously any misuse of digital platforms aimed at misleading the public through the dissemination of false information, adding that strict action would be taken against any party found to have violated the law.

--BERNAMA