THE Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has launched an investigation into an individual accused of disseminating false claims about the export of diesel fuel to the Philippines, amid efforts to curb online misinformation.
In a statement issued today, the regulator said the diesel shipment cited in the viral claims did not belong to Petronas or the Malaysian government, but to the global energy trading firm Vitol.
The individual in question was summoned on Friday to provide a statement, while authorities also confiscated communication devices believed to have been used to upload the content in order to assist further investigations.
The case is being pursued under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which carries penalties of up to RM500,000 in fines, imprisonment of up to two years, or both upon conviction.
The commission stressed that it takes seriously any misuse of social media and digital platforms to disseminate unverified information that could mislead the public, warning that firm enforcement action would be taken against those who violate the law and undermine public order.
In a related development, another individual has also had their statement recorded in connection with the same case involving the spread of false information on diesel supply to the Philippines, according to the commission’s corporate communications unit. - April 18, 2026
