Terengganu health chief debunks viral report claiming child has coronavirus

CORONAVIRUS | In yet another case of the Terengganu State Health director stepping in to clarify misinformation, Dr Nor Azimi Yunus confirmed that a five-year-old child who received treatment at the Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital (HSNZ) did not meet the criteria to be investigated for the coronavirus.

"The child developed a common fever and sore throat. Therefore, the hospital provides regular treatment for the child," she told the media today.

This was in response to a viral photograph of a police report claiming that a five-year-old girl from China had come to Kemamam hospital for emergency treatment and had coronavirus systems.

In the police report, the girl was supposed to be admitted but was instead removed from the premises by her parents.

Earlier today, Nor Azimi denied a posting on Gabungan Anak Terengganu (Original) Facebook page by one “Ali Dapicey” that five people were admitted to HSNZ for coronavirus upon their return from Wuhan in China. 

"The Health Department denied the report. As of Jan 26, there was no suspected case of coronavirus infection at any hospital in Terengganu," she said.

Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad had also said earlier that while coronavirus is an urgent matter to deal with, the spread of viral fakes news has also become critical. 

The police and the Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) also said today that they have identified four individuals to be probed in relation to spreading fake news on the coronavirus.

In a joint statement, the authorities warned unscrupulous parties against spreading unverified or fake news regarding the matter on social media, including the online messaging platform.

The statement warns that action can be taken under Section 505 of the Penal Code, where those found guilty would be jailed up to two years, or fined or both.

Offenders can also be investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act, which provides for a year in jail and a maximum fine of RM100,000, or both.

To date, Malaysia has confirmed four positive cases, all Chinese nationals, in Johor, while five individuals suspected of having been infected with coronavirus are in isolation.

Authorities have also detained a family of three after the parents took their two-year-old daughter, suspected of having the disease, out of a hospital against doctors' orders.  - Mkini