Online authority names 14 wanted over spreading ‘false news’ on floods

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is looking for 14 individuals to assist in its investigation into the spreading of alleged false news on the east coast floods through social media and messaging apps.

This move follows eight individuals who came forward to give their cooperation to the communications regulator.

The probe by the MCMC was in the wake of the spread of alleged false news, including claims that aid was not reaching those in need and that only those connected to Barisan Nasional are receiving help.

There are also claims that a Manek Urai school used as a relief centre had collapsed, claiming many lives. Police have since denied the incident.

"To date, eight people have given their cooperation. All of them have come to our office to help in our investigation," said MCMC monitoring and enforcement division chief Zulkarnain Mohd Yasin.

The latest batch of individuals – nine men and six women – have been asked to give their statements to the authorities immediately.

They are:

1. Raja Mohd Haidi Raja Daod, 27. Last known address: Kg Manek Urai, 18000 Kuala Krai, Kelantan

2. Zawawi Mat, 39. Last known address: No 26, Kg Tengah, Kuala Krai.

3. Mohd Bustam Omar, 40. Last known address: 6224 Jalan Kota Raja, Taman Bijaya, Klang, Selangor.

4. Mohamad Azrani Daud, 32. Last known address: No 70, Kampung Keda, Sadik, Kupang, Kedah.

5. Mohd Fauzi Mohd Azmi, 40.  Last known address: 2537, Lorong Bangau 2, Taman Si Buyong, Jalan Mentok Cukai, Terengganu.

6. Mohamad Zamzami Yaakob, 48. Last known address: Kampung Wakaf Lichong, Pasir Puteh, Kelantan.

7. El Jiffy Abd Aziz, 29. Last known address: 15 Jalan Melur 29, Taman Melur, Ampang, Selangor.

8. Yuliza Indriani Zulfin, 29. Last known address: 981-A, Paya Bemban, Jalan Abd Kadir Adabi, Kota Baru, Kelantan.

9. Farah Wahida Abdullah Suhaimi, 31. Last known address: No. 3-4-5, Blok 3 Sri Permata Condo, Jalan SASAAS 9/6, Seksyen 9, 40100 Shah Alam, Selangor.

10. Natrah Mohamed, 30. Last known address: No 13, Jalan 4/10 B, Seksyen 4 Tambahan, Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor

11. Norazimah Zakaria, 30. Last known address: Blok E1, 12 Mahallat Al Zahrawi, UIAM Jalan Istana, Bandar Indera Mahkota, Kuantan, Pahang.

12. Siti Asiah Shaary, 22. Last known address: No 5, Jalan SD 2/2 Taman Seri Duyong 2, Melaka.

13. Ayub Musa, 37. Last known address: No 24, Lorong Chengal Lempong Baru 12, Taman Balok Jaya, Fasa 3, Perkampungan Chengal, Lempong Bari, Kuantan.

14. Nor Azwani Saimi, 26. Last known address: No 48, Kg Air Lanas, Lata Rek, Kuala Krai.

Those with information should contact MCMC investigation officer Mohamad Syukri Jamaluddin (019-2869515) or Rafina Mimi Muhammad (019-2869471) immediately.

Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said police are to collaborate with MCMC to trace those who spread false information online.

"They have caused anxiety among the people affected by the floods. I hope the people will not listen to these rumours but get authentic information from the relevant authorities," he said.

- TMI