KUANTAN – Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah today called on the public not to share photos and videos of major floods that occurred in the past, as several states now brave flooding due to the monsoon season.
Spreading such images, such as those of floods in 2014, could cause panic, he said.
“I do hope that people take the time to first verify these photos and videos before sharing them. Spreading these photos and videos (of floods that occurred in the past) can be considered as spreading fake news.
“Although we can take action against those who spread fake news, we hope that the public will be more responsible because, at times like these, police surely have more important work to do,” he told Bernama after visiting the flood relief centre at SMK Pelindung, which is housing 20 families.
The Indera Mahkota MP added that he has asked the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to monitor telecommunications systems, which are a key medium of communication during the monsoon season.
He said his constituency currently has some 2,000 flood evacuees housed at seven relief centres. – Bernama, January 4, 2021
