PUTRAJAYA, May 18 — A woman was fined RM4,000 by the Sepang Sessions Court today after pleading guilty to spreading false information regarding petrol and diesel prices via social media.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said Nur Irsalina Omar Kumar was charged with uploading a post, edited to resemble official Buletin TV3 content, through her Threads account 'its.ellsaleena_' on March 31.
“The post contained false information about an increase in fuel prices. The act misled the public and sparked concern over the cost of living,” it said in a statement.
The MCMC added that the court also ordered the accused to serve six months in jail if she failed to pay the fine; however, Irsalina has since paid it.
The prosecution was carried out under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which provides for a maximum fine of RM500,000 or imprisonment for up to two years, or both, upon conviction.
It emphasised that the spread of false information, particularly on matters of public interest, can have negative implications for societal stability and well-being.
As such, the public is advised to always verify the authenticity of information before sharing it and to use online platforms responsibly.
