Malaysia’s communications regulator has launched an investigation into a viral claim alleging that subsidised diesel was supplied to the Philippines, swiftly debunking the allegation as false.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said it has identified an individual suspected of spreading the misinformation and recorded their statement, while also seizing the device used to upload the content to aid investigations.
Authorities confirmed that the diesel shipment in question belongs to Vitol, not to Petroliam Nasional Bhd or the Malaysian government as claimed in the posts.
The probe is being carried out under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which carries penalties of up to RM500,000 in fines, two years’ imprisonment, or both upon conviction.
MCMC warned that it views the misuse of digital platforms to spread false information seriously, stressing that firm enforcement action will be taken against any party whose actions mislead the public or threaten public order.
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