Police arrest individual for spreading false news on floods - MCMC

Police have arrested an individual suspected of spreading false news on the floods four days ago, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said in a statement today.

The individual was arrested under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 which carries a fine not more than RM50,000 or jail not more than one year, or both upon conviction.

The MCMC said 21 of 22 individuals summoned to aid investigation into the spread of false news on the floods turned up to have their statements recorded.

"All had their statements recorded at the MCMC office in Cyberjaya, MCMC regional offices and police stations.

"They began to turn up in phases starting on Dec 29, 2014 until today. The cases will be submitted to the Attorney-General's Chambers for further action."

The statement said that another individual will have his statement recorded in the middle of this month.

The MCMC advised the public not to be emotional and spread and carry unverified news over the internet

Police had summoned 22 individuals to aid investigation into the spread of false news on the floods which ravaged several states recently.