IPOH,Mar 12: The Emergency Ordinance criminalising “fake news” on the pandemic and emergency proclamation, which comes into effect today, makes it easier for police to take action against those who spread false information, said Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador.
With the ordinance, he said police would not have to apply for an order to investigate (OTI), which previously took a long time for approval.
“There is actually a team that monitors whatever is posted on social media for 24 hours (a day),” he said. “Fake news is aimed at provoking anxiety, public uproar and anger.
“I welcome the government’s decision as such offences no longer require the police to obtain an OTI.”
