KUALA LUMPUR – The Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) refuted claims that Super Typhoon Rai is incoming, after they went viral on various social media platforms including WhatsApp recently.
MetMalaysia said in a statement today that Typhoon Rai is now moving toward southeast Da Nang, Vietnam at about 20kph and is away from Malaysia.
“The latest Typhoon Rai advice was issued by MetMalaysia at 2.45pm today and will be updated every three hours,” said the statement.
“Therefore, MetMalaysia would like to remind the people to obtain verified information on the weather forecast and warnings from the official website and social media of MetMalaysia, or via the 1-300-22-1638 hotline and the myCuaca app.”
MetMalaysia stressed that disseminating fake or unverified news is liable to action under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
Recent rumours online say that 12 states, including Kuala Lumpur, are set to see continuous rain, purportedly due to the tail of Typhoon Rai.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission advised the people not to spread fake information via SMS or social media, which is an offence under Section 211 and 233 of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission Act 1988. – Bernama, December 20, 2021