TLDR
- MCMC is investigating five individuals suspected of spreading false information about increases in petrol, diesel and electricity prices on social media.
- Several false contents were found using the Buletin TV3 logo without authorisation, and Buletin TV3 has denied any involvement in the dissemination of the information.
- Firm action will be taken under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which provides for a fine of up to RM500,000 or imprisonment of up to two years for offenders.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has launched an investigation into the spread of false information on social media claiming that fuel and electricity prices will increase, warning that stern action will be taken against those responsible.
In a statement, MCMC said it is investigating five individuals suspected of disseminating misleading content related to alleged hikes in petrol, diesel and electricity prices on the social media platform Threads. Three of the individuals have already been called in to provide statements to assist in the investigation.
“Based on complaints received, the content shared by all the individuals regarding increases in petrol and diesel prices was found to be false, misleading and capable of causing public anxiety,” MCMC said.
The commission added that investigations revealed some of the viral posts had been edited using the visual identity and logo of Buletin TV3, giving the false impression that the information originated from the news outlet.
Image Credit: 123RF
Following further checks, Buletin TV3 issued an official denial, confirming that it did not produce or publish the misleading content. MCMC said it has since received a formal complaint from Buletin TV3, stating that the materials circulating on social media were created by third parties without authorisation.
Buletin TV3 also clarified that while it has previously published graphics related to fuel price developments, those materials were prepared based on official references from the Ministry of Finance (MoF) and were unrelated to the false claims currently circulating online.
The investigation is being carried out under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588), which governs the improper use of network facilities or services. Upon conviction, offenders may face a fine of up to RM500,000, a prison sentence of up to two years, or both.
Firm action to be taken
MCMC stressed that it views seriously any abuse of social media platforms intended to mislead the public through the dissemination of false or manipulated information.
“Firm action will be taken against any individual found to be in breach of existing laws,” the commission said.
The investigation comes amid heightened public sensitivity over cost-of-living issues, with recent false claims also circulating about an alleged electricity tariff increase, which was previously denied by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB). TNB had clarified that no blanket tariff hike was taking place and that any cost adjustments remain subject to the Automatic Fuel Adjustment (AFA) mechanism.
Image Credit: NST
MCMC also reminded the public to exercise responsibility when using social media and to refrain from sharing unverified content that could disrupt social harmony and public order.
Members of the public are urged to rely only on information from official sources and to verify the authenticity of news before sharing it online, particularly on matters affecting public interest such as fuel prices, utilities and government policy.
Featured Image Credit: 123RF, Malay Mail, TNB
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