Hoax over Johor crown prince's cash giveaway the first case probed under anti-fake news law

JOHOR BARU — Malaysian police will employ the Anti-Fake News Act 2018 in its probe into a hoax claiming that the Johor crown prince would be footing the bill of shoppers at several supermarkets in the state.

The rumours were sparked by a tattle of Tunku Ismail’s purported RM200 (S$68) cash aid for each shopper at a hypermarket in Pontian, which later saw the spread of similar claims of him aiding shoppers at several other hypermarkets including in Kluang.

The hoax which viralled on social media had led to pandemonium at each hypermarket on Thursday (April 12) as hordes of shoppers who were taken for a ride rushed in and filled their trollies to the brim.

Johor police chief Mohd Khalil Kader Mohd said the police were first alerted to a large gathering of people at the hypermarket in Kluang.

“Our investigation revealed that the stories (on Tunku Ismail’s purported aid) were fake.

“Investigation would also be initiated under Section 4 of Anti-Fake News Act 2018 which carries a maximum of RM500,000 or jail up six years, or both, upon conviction.”

At the same police would also investigate the case under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 which carries a maximum fine of RM50,000 or up to a year’s jail or both upon conviction.

“I implore the public not to be easily duped by unverified news.” THE NEW STRAITS TIMES