KUALA LUMPUR: The Anti-Fake News Bill 2018 was tabled in the Dewan Negara on Tuesday (April 3).
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the Bill would "in no way" restrict the freedom of speech, and instead, it would curb the spread of so-called "fake news".
Of late, she said, the country faced various challenges and the impact from the spread of false news not only "confused" the people, but could also threaten the security, economy, prosperity and well-being of the people and the country.
"Stories are created, exaggerated or modified for various purposes according to the parties that disseminate them, without any care on the effect to the nation.
“Little by little, the false news will poison the minds of readers and make them believe the inaccurate facts that are capable of destroying the well-being of the society,” she said when tabling the Bill.
Azalina said the Bill showed the government's seriousness in addressing the spread of false news.
"The government's effort in this matter is very crucial...so that people will be more responsible by producing true news." - Bernama
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