Malaysia

Sarawak cops on hunt for Facebook user for fake Covid-19 news

Facebook user incited panic by claiming 321 new Covid-19 infections in state when actual figure was 60

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 16 Jan 2021 5:00PM

Sarawak cops on hunt for Facebook user for fake Covid-19 news
Padawan district chief Aidil Bolhassan says the police had received an official report today over the Facebook post made yesterday. – Facebook pic, January 16, 2021

by Stephen Then

MIRI – Sarawak police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission are hunting for a Facebook user who had allegedly created panic among the public by spreading false information.

The Facebook user was said to have posted on Friday an irresponsible claim that Sarawak had 321 new Covid-19 infections, when the actual figure was 60.

Padawan district chief Aidil Bolhassan said the police had received an official report today over the Facebook post made yesterday.

“We are looking for the person who posted the unsubstantiated statement that had caused panic.

“We are working with the commission to locate the person,” he said in a press statement today.

The user wrote in a bold red font that Sarawak recorded 321 new Covid cases yesterday.

The post was shared many times before it was eventually deleted. – The Vibes, January 16, 2021

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