Spreading 'Fake News' In This Asian Country Can Now Land You In Jail

Malaysia recently introduced a fake news law carrying a maximum six-year prison sentence and a six-digit fine for those caught spreading news or reports the government deems to be false. Malaysians and foreigners need to be careful not to fall foul of this law.

The fake news law in Malaysia

Malaysia defines fake news as ‘news, information, data and reports which is or are wholly or partly false,’ applying to stories in written, audio or video format. Sharing on social media without fact checking leads to a flood of inaccurate stories some take at face value and that can potentially be destructive. Sadly, it’s almost impossible to decipher which information is real and which isn’t in today’s scandal-riddled world. The fake news law in Malaysia is a bold move and has been met with heavy international criticism. Malaysia is one of the world’s first nations to impose a state-wide ban on what they perceive as fake news. Those caught sharing or spreading something deemed to be untrue or inaccurate face imprisonment.

Controversy

Spreading fake news in Malaysia can land you in jail

Is it worth worrying about?

Locals expressed concern towards the law, stating it’s a ‘dark day for our freedom of expression’, while others called for ‘general public scrutiny’. But these fell on deaf ears. As a tourist, visitor or expat, there is reason for concern. The fake news law in Malaysia not only applies to Malaysians but to anyone else both inside and outside the country who writes or talks about Malaysia’s people and politics – whether intentionally or not. It’s unclear how this will play out and the impact it will have on tourists and overall tourism. But one thing is for sure: think twice before sharing a story related to Malaysia or expressing an unfavourable opinion on social media or risk six years in prison.

Just be cautious of what you share online or on social media especially when it comes to politics

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