The Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) has denied a viral voice message that said its personnel are allowed to beat up members of the public while enforcing the Movement Control Order (MCO).

Defence Force Chief Gen. Tan Sri Affendi Buang in a statement today, has strongly denied the voice message which hinted that such a method would be used by the army while helping the Royal Malaysia Police enforcing the Order.

“The society is asked to stop spreading the message as it can lead to speculations and cause panic among the people,” he said.

He said those who spread fake news could be charged in court under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

Meanwhile, Affendi said the society should not feel worried about the presence of ATM men from its three branches - army, navy and air force - during the implementation of the MCO.

“This is the secondary duty of the military in times of peace, that is to help the local enforcement authorities in maintaining the country’s peace.

“The public must cooperate in adhering to the movement control order so that efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19 can be carried out as best as possible,” he said.

Yesterday, a 39-second voice recording alleged that the army personnel would beat up the public if they disobey the MCO went viral. - Bernama