Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa speaks during a press conference at Wisma Radio Angkasapuri in Kuala Lumpur, September 15, 2021. — Picture by Miera Zulyana
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 20 — The increased public acceptance and awareness of the vaccination programme in the country proved that fake news on the Covid-19 vaccine did not really work in misleading the people, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa said this was also made possible by the various steps taken by the Communications and Multimedia Ministry (KKMM) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) in curbing, preventing and enforcing the laws to curb the spread of fake news.
In fact, he said PDRM had opened 307 investigation papers on the spread of fake news relating to Covid-19 since March 2020 to date, 163 of which had been solved and 37 were being charged in court.
“The numbers show that many cases have been solved, but it is undeniable that the crime (spreading fake news) is still being committed.
“Nevertheless, the spread of negative news about vaccination has reduced significantly and we want to thank the (increased awareness of the) public for that. This is also the reason for the success of the ongoing vaccination programme.”
Annuar said this in reply to Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun (Bersatu-Beaufort) who was concerned over the fact that some people still believe in fake news to the extent of rejecting vaccination against Covid-19. — Bernama