KUALA LUMPUR – Police have opened 12 investigation papers under the Emergency Ordinance (Essential Powers) (No. 2) 2021 in connection with the circulation of fake news on Covid-19.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Huzir Mohamed said the latest investigation paper is regarding a man’s Facebook posting alleging that flight MH191 from New Delhi, India, had brought in passengers through the KL International Airport.
He said the statement is not true and could cause public anxiety and unease over the measures taken by the government to curb the spread of Covid-19.
The investigation is being conducted under Section 4(1) of the Emergency Ordinance (Essential Powers) (No. 2) 2021, involving those making, offering, publishing, printing, distributing, circulating or disseminating any untrue news to the point of triggering fear or worry among the public.
In addition, he said police are also investigating the owner of a Facebook account under Section 504 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for making a posting that was offensive and brought shame to the government.
“Both the postings were made after the government had issued a directive in a National Security Council meeting on April 28 to implement a temporary ban on passenger flights to and from India to check the entry of a new Covid-19 variant from that country,” said Huzir in a statement yesterday.
The Emergency Ordinance (Essential Powers) (No. 2) 2021, which was gazetted on March 11, is specifically aimed at curbing the activity of producing and spreading fake news about the Covid-19 pandemic or the proclamation of emergency. – Bernama, May 5, 2021
