Fake news has been flooding the internet ever since the internet became easily accessible, with some either spreading the news or falling victims to the news themselves.
Either way, the misinformation does more harm than good.
Yesterday, Malaysia revoked the Anti-Fake News Act following the Senate’s approval.
Just before the 14th General Elections last May, Barisan Nasional introduced a law criminalising fake news, a move which Pakatan Harapan tried to repeal. This marks their second attempt at doing so.
Those charged with spreading fake news stood to face up to six years in jail and fines of up to RM500,000 under the law.
In August last year, the Dewan Rakyat passed the bill to revoke the act but it was rejected by the Dewan Negara late last year.
Photo: New Straits Times
After a year, the bill to repeal the act was once again tabled and passed on 9 October after two days of debate. 92 MPs voted for the abolishment of the law while 51 stood for the law.
The bill was then tabled in the Dewan Negara and will be presented to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah for approval.
What are your thoughts?
By: Celestine Foo
