SANDAKAN – The Sabah Health Department has urged the “Sandakankini Viral” Facebook account to stop spreading false information, following a Thursday post that claimed the district here had recorded 900 new Covid-19 cases, with the figure to be announced yesterday.
Sandakan logged 40 fresh infections yesterday.
“Their action of creating and spreading fake news is serious and could lead to panic and confusion in the community, creating a negative perception of the authorities,” said state Health Department director Datuk Dr Christina Rundi in a statement today.
The Sandakankini Viral page, which has more than 62,000 followers, has been actively posting about virus-related information in the district. It shares infographics issued by the Health Ministry, and also speculative news whose sources are not known.
It is suspected that the account is run by a person working with the local hospital.
The post on 900 fresh cases was taken down on Thursday.
Dr Rundi also denied that a video allegedly of a child who died of Covid-19 was taken in Sabah.
“I urge the public to be wise and responsible when sharing information. Don’t share unverified information. The department will not hesitate to take action against individuals who create and spread fake news.”
She said the state Health Department offers Mental Health Psychosocial Support services not only to Covid-19 patients, but all those affected by virus-triggered movement curbs.
Those who need mental and psychological support can also call Talian Kasih at 15999 (24 hours), Befrienders at 016-803-6945 (7am-10pm) and Kawan Bah at 012-775-3020 (24 hours).
The CovidCare: Sabah Virtual Mental Health and Psychological Support Portal, for frontliners who need psychological first aid, can be reached at 013-549-4690 (9am-12pm, and 2pm-5pm). –The Vibes, November 21, 2020
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