A housewife was fined RM4,000 by the Sessions Court on Tuesday after pleading guilty to publishing and initiating the transmission of false content on the Threads platform regarding an alleged fuel price increase.
Judge Ahmad Fuad Othman imposed the fine on Nur Nadia Ahmad Johari, 34, after she admitted to the charge when it was read before the court.
According to the charge, Nur Nadia knowingly created and shared false content accompanied by a fake infographic relating to a fuel price hike with the intention of causing annoyance or disturbance to others. The offence was committed on 31 March.
The prosecution, led by Nazrul Nizam Mohd Zamri, charged her under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which provides for punishment under Section 233(2) of the same Act.
In delivering his judgment, Judge Ahmad Fuad said recent amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 reflected the government’s commitment to curbing the spread of false and harmful online content that could create public anxiety.
He warned that the dissemination of false information could have far-reaching consequences, particularly when it involves sensitive issues such as religion, race, the monarchy or matters that may threaten public order.
“What may seem like a small social media post today can have a much greater impact once it is shared by hundreds or even thousands of people,” the judge said, stressing the importance of responsible use of digital platforms.
