CYBERJAYA: Two media agencies – Sin Chew Media Corporation Bhd and Sinar Karangkraf Sdn Bhd – have each been issued a compound of RM100,000 each by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
In a statement Friday (Sept 19), MCMC said the decision was made after obtaining permission from the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC).
“Action against Sin Chew Media was taken following an investigation, which found that the organisation had uploaded an incomplete illustration of the Jalur Gemilang on its digital media.
“Meanwhile, Sinar Karangkraf was compounded over a posting on its official Instagram account, which contained false information about the Inspector-General of Police,” it said, adding that the allegation involved the top leadership of a local political party.
Both investigations were conducted under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588), with penalties provided under Section 233(2).
The compounds were issued under Section 243 of the same Act.
MCMC stressed that the Jalur Gemilang is a symbol of sovereignty, unity and national pride, and must be depicted accurately and respectfully at all times.
“The dissemination of false content involving national security institutions could also undermine public order and erode public confidence in the authorities.
“As such, media organisations and social media users are reminded to ensure accuracy and authenticity in all published content, especially when involving national emblems and official symbols,” the statement said.
MCMC added that it would continue to strengthen enforcement and implement various digital literacy initiatives to safeguard the nation’s harmony and stability.
