19 Jan 2021 / 08:18 H.
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 18: Civic consciousness, in addition to imprisonment and fines, is important towards teaching the public not to spread fake news regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, said law practitioners.
Lawyer Syahredzan Johan said the issue of spreading fake news could not be resolved just by using the law or punishment, adding instead that civic awareness should be inculcated in oneself.
“Authorities need to create an awareness campaign so that the public will be more careful in sharing information that they receive.
Furthermore, existing laws are sufficient to deal with the matter,” he told Bernama when contacted today.
He also reminded the public to verify whatever information they received with the authorities, such as the National Security Council (MKN) or the Ministry of Health (MOH), before believing the content or sharing them.