The Malaysia Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is only a regulatory body and does not monitor or spy on what WhatsApp users write in the application, said Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak.

Recent posts which alleged that the commission was monitoring content in the application was "absolutely false news", he said to reporters today after officiating at the ASEAN International Film Festival and Awards (AIFFA) 2017 Biz World.

Salleh said that all along the ministry had only been advising the people against abusing the social media as they were bound by the country''s laws and regulations.

"While we have the freedom to speak and write, we do not have the freedom to post allegations or rumours which can threaten the country''s stability and, ultimately, destroy it.

"The MCMC is only a regulatory body. Some other authorities will take the necessary action if people are found to post allegations and wild rumours in the social media," he said. - BERNAMA