Stop spreading fake news, guys!
On Wednesday (June 2nd), a housewife from Kangar, Perlis pleaded guilty to spreading fake news and was fined RM5,000 under the Emergency Ordinance.
Photo via FMT
The 28-year-old pleaded guilty to spreading fake news about COVID-19 cases at a school in Arau on April 18th.
She was believed to have used WhatsApp’s “status” feature through a phone number registered under her name to send out a message that said there were multiple COVID-19 cases in the school.
The school then lodged a police report regarding the fake message on April 20th and investigations by the police found that only one person in the school had been tested positive for COVID-19.
She was charged under Section 4(1) of the Emergency Ordinance (Essential Powers) (No 2) 2021 for inciting public fear or anxiety.
According to the New Straits Times, if convicted, she can be fined not more than RM100,000 or imprisoned for up to three years, or both; in the case of a continuing offence, the accused can be further fined not more than RM1,000 for each day the offence continues.
Photo via express.co.uk
The housewife is a mother of two and is currently pregnant, while her husband who works as a lorry driver was just let off by his employer due to the current pandemic situation.
After pleading guilty, she was fined RM5,000, however, if she fails to pay the fine, she will be imprisoned for five months.
Don’t believe everything you read on the internet, especially a message from Mak Teh on WhatsApp! If you’re unsure of the news, you can verify it on sebenarnya.my.
Remember, if you’re unsure, don’t share!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
