CORONAVIRUS | The police have warned all quarters to stop disseminating and sharing invalid news on the spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus or face legal action.

Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador said the irresponsible action of spreading false news on the coronavirus could cause panic and fear among the people.

‘’The actions would be irresponsible and unfair to the people because it could simultaneously invite a more serious situation to the harmony (in the country).

‘’The police view seriously the actions of those quarters who spread invalid news and firm and prompt action will be taken to curb them,’’ he told reporters after an award presenting ceremony at the Malacca police contingent headquarters here today.

Abdul Hamid said those detained for spreading invalid news on coronavirus would be charged as quickly as possible.

To date, the police have opened 13 investigation papers on the spreading of invalid news on the social media platform and three people would be charged in court.

One case was charged in a Kuala Lumpur court this morning involving a woman who pleaded not guilty in the Magistrate’s Court on three charges of making statements on the issue of the virus on her Facebook.

Wan Noor Hayati Wan Alias, 41, was charged under section 505 (b) of the Penal Code which provided a maximum two-year jail or fine or both if found guilty.

The court allowed the accused to a RM12,000 bail in one surety for all charges. - Bernama