KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is investigating an individual for allegedly spreading false information on social media about the late Zara Qairina Mahathir.
In a statement today, MCMC said the man was summoned to the Cheras District Police Headquarters yesterday, where investigators seized a mobile phone and a SIM card before recording his statement.
The commission said the Facebook post in question contained false claims and touched on 3R sensitivities, race, religion and royalty, with the potential to cause public confusion and disrupt ongoing police investigations into the case.
The matter is being investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588), which provides for a maximum fine of RM500,000, a jail term of up to two years, or both, upon conviction.
MCMC urged the public to allow the investigation to proceed without interference and to be cautious about sharing unverified or speculative content online.
“Spreading unverified information risks hurting the feelings of the victim’s family, goes against ethical values, and can interfere with the course of justice,” it added.
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