Fake News and Covid-19: Malaysian legal perspective

Abstract

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has been accompanied by fake news which is as dangerous as the virus itself. Many countries have promulgated laws to combat fake news including Malaysia. This paper considered the criteria for fake news offences and the regulatory measures and non-regulatory measures put in place to counter fake news in Malaysia. Employing a doctrinal methodology, this article analyses the relevant legislations and case laws for offences and punishments with regards to fake news Based on the findings, the paper proposes an amendment in the relevant laws to combat fake news in Malaysia.