30 Apr 2018 | 09:21 AM UTC
Malaysia: Foreigner convicted under new anti-fake news law
Danish national become the first convicted under the new anti-fake news law on April 30
Event
On Monday, April 30, a Danish national was convicted of publishing fake news on the YouTube internet video platform. He has been sentenced to a week in jail and was given a USD 3378 fine. This is the first time someone has been convicted under the so-called Anti-Fake News Act, passed earlier in the month.
Context
On April 11, the legislation making the publishing of fake news punishable by up to six years in prison came into force. Critics opposing the law have claimed it will be used to stifle dissent ahead of parliamentary elections set to take place on May 9.
Malaysia ranks 144th out of 180 countries in the 2017 World Press Freedom Index, with number one being the freest.
Advice
Individuals in Malaysia are advised to follow all local regulations and keep abreast of the situation.
