Anti-fake news bill to be tabled in parliament next week.

Cabinet has approved a new bill against widespread of fake news. The anti-fake news bill is expected to pass in the last session of parliament sitting.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Azalina Othman is expected to table the new bill in parliament next Monday.

A source told Sin Chew Daily that the cabinet has discussed the bill for many times due to prevalence of fake news. In order to protect people from continuing to be deceived, the government is drafting new law to curb widespread of fake news and rumours on social media.
Sources said according to the new bill, fake news is defined as untrue news and non-existence. 

“Fake news is getting out of control and more people are victims of fake news. Some also make use of loopholes in law to deceive people online.”

It is learned that the new bill is targeting at social media. 

The sitting of lower house or known as Dewan Rakyat is scheduled from 5 March to 5 April while upper house or senate 26 March to 5 April.  The government plans to pass the bill in this session of parliament sitting.

Earlier Azalina had said that the government set up a special law committee to look into ways to curb fake news which may threaten political stability, public order and national security. Fake news do not only appear in print and broadcast but also social media. Existing law is no longer adequate.

Printing Press and Publication Act 1984 is different from anti-fake news bill as the former is more on permit regulation. 

Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission chief executive officer Dr Mazlan Ismail has earlier suggested to amend Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission Act to increase penalty to RM500,000 fine (USD128,205) and 10 years’ jail.

Under Section 233 (1) of Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission Act, one is liable to be jailed one year and a maximum fine of RM50,000 (USD 12,820) fine for spreading fake news on internet or handphone.