Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urges police and MCMC to act against 96 pieces of false content on social media, calling it a betrayal of the public.
KUALA LUMPUR: The government has called for firm action against the spread of fake news regarding fuel and electricity prices.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic) urged authorities, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), to address the issue.
He revealed that the MCMC has so far identified 96 pieces of false content on social media related to the matter.
Anwar said the dissemination of such misinformation is occurring as the country faces extraordinary challenges from the global energy crisis.
“This does not stop those who continue to lie, spread hatred, sabotage, and betray,” he said in a video message.
He stressed that spreading false information while the public is under economic pressure constitutes a betrayal against the nation.
“These acts are carried out solely to secure narrow political gains,” he added.
Anwar stated that firm action must be taken as the dissemination of fake news is an irresponsible act impacting the public.
“We have no choice but to urge the authorities to take action,” he said.
He also called on the public to exercise greater caution when receiving and sharing information online.
“I call on the people to be discerning, verify the news, and seek accurate facts,” Anwar said.
