It said the public should not spread fake news or false information, while people could verify the authenticity of information through the Sebenarnya.my and MyCheck Malaysia portals.

“Action can be taken under Section 505 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998,” it said in a statement today, as reported by Bernama.

Section 505 of the Penal Code refers to making statements that could spread public fear or alarm, while Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 covers using networked facilities to cause offence to or annoy others.

A message has been circulating on social media claiming that new communication regulations for WhatsApp voice and video calls will be implemented from tomorrow.

It said all calls will be recorded and saved, and that all social media platforms will be monitored.