Cops invoke anti-fake news ordinance over India flights viral post

 

Police have invoked the emergency ordinance on anti-fake news over a viral Facebook post about passenger flights arriving from India despite a travel ban.

The Transport Ministry later clarified that the Malaysia Airlines planes had been converted into cargo flights and were not carrying any passengers.

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation director Huzir Mohamed (above) said police initiated an investigation paper under the Emergency (Essential Powers) (No. 2) Ordinance 2021 against a Facebook user by the name of "Muhammad Fahmi Abdullah".

He said this was over a post that came to attention on May 3 about Malaysia Airlines Flight MH191 from New Delhi which he claimed had brought in passengers to Malaysia at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

He said to date, a total of 12 investigation papers were initiated under the emergency ordinance which came into force on March 12.

Those convicted face a fine of up to RM100,000, up to three years in prison or both.

Huzir said the police have also initiated an investigation against a Facebook user by the name of "Wan Hilmi Wan Mohd Nor Hilmi" under Section 504 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act.

Section 504 concerns intentional insult with the intent to provoke a breach of peace while Section 233 concerns the misuse of network facilities.

In a Facebook post dated May 3, Wan Hilmi had called the government "foolish" and claimed it was not taking the Covid-19 pandemic seriously over the arrival of the flights from India.

At the time, it was not yet clear that the passenger flights had been converted to carry cargo.

The ban on travellers from India took effect on April 28 as India saw the world's highest increase in new daily Covid-19 cases, spurred by the more dangerous B.1.617 variant.

Huzir said Wan Hilmi's post contained an inappropriate message that humiliates the government.

"Both postings were made after the government, through the National Security Council meeting on April 28, issued a temporary travel ban on travellers from India to prevent the spread of the new Covid-19 variant into Malaysia.

"The statement made by both Facebook account owners were fake news and could anxiety and worry among the people about the government's efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19," he said.

Huzir urged the public to use social media platforms responsibly and not make statements that can threaten the country's harmony. - Mkini