It’s so easy to disseminate news nowadays, and you can do it all through a few taps on the keyboard and smartphone. The problem is.. the internet is a fertile ground for fake news to spread, and though many are aware of this unethical sharing of information, a majority of people still fall for this hoax stories.
If you’re one of these people, be warned as Malaysia’s Anti-Fake News Bill 2018 (Clause 4 (1) of the bill) now carries a heavy penalisation for anyone who creates or spreads fake news – a maximum fine of RM500,000, imprisonment of up to 10 years, or both to be exact. The bill was tabled today for its first reading.
The bill states that any person who, by any means, creates, offers, publishes, prints, distributes, circulates or disseminates any fake news or publication containing fake news, is liable for penalisation, and should the offence be continued, the offender will be liable to an additional fine not exceeding RM3,000 daily after conviction.
Additionally, Clause 2 of the bill clarifies that fake news may be defined as news, information, data, reports, which is or are wholly or partly false, whether in the form of features, visuals or audio recordings or in any other form capable of suggesting words or ideas.
Clause 3, on the other hand, affirms that the bill also applies for any person, of whatever nationality or citizenship, and also anyone who indirectly or directly offers financial assistance toward facilitating commission of the offence. This said person will also be liable to the same punishment.
Finally, anyone who fails to remove publication with fake news is liable to a fine not exceeding RM100,000. Take note, especially if you are, or have been, guilty!
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