Man held for spreading fake news in Tawau

TAWAU: Police have arrested a man suspected of spreading false news on the Health Ministry’s arrangement of Covid-19 fatality in the district.

Tawau police chief ACP Peter Umbuas confirmed that the news was false which could cause fear among the public.

“The suspect was detained as he was suspected to spread the false message via WhatsApp and the case will be investigated under Section 500 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act,” he said.

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Earlier, the police received a report on Oct 30, regarding a viral fake news alleging the Health Ministry is charging RM2,000 for the arrangement of Covid-19 fatality.

Peter advised the public to be cautious and to not spread unverified news.

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“Such news would only cause worry among the public,” he said.