PETALING JAYA, Jan 30 — A special committee has been formed to curb the spread of fake news, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said announced today.
The minister in the Prime Minister’s Department said she hoped to see a new law introduced by the committee in time for the next Parliamentary session starting March 5.
“The government also wants to introduce the new law in Parliament during the next upcoming session,” she said in a statement.
Azalina said a new law is necessary since fake news can allegedly threaten political stability, undermine public order, and disrupt national security.
“There are currently several existing Acts used to address the issue, including Section 8A of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 (which covers the publication of fake news),’’ she said.
“However there is a need for new measures to address the spread of false information, so that the public is more accountable in producing, disseminating and sharing unhealthy news and ensuring national security is maintained.”
Azalina also cited Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak who previously said fake news can also cause hatred and public dissent.
The committee held its first meeting last week, and was attended by representatives from the police, the Attorney-General’s Chambers, the National Security Council, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia, and the Department of Legal Affairs.
“The Prime Minister has agreed that this committee will also be accompanied by relevant NGOs and MPs to ensure that the government’s efforts in addressing this issue are supported by various parties and through the consultation process with all stakeholders,’’ she said.
The dissemination of information in Malaysia is regulated by several detailed legislation. These include Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 that prohibits the improper use of network facilities or service, the Defamation Act 1957 relating slander and other malicious falsehood, Section 500 of the Penal Code for defamation, and the Sedition Act 1948 which prohibits discourse deemed as seditious.
