CYBERJAYA, April 30, 2026 – A 31-year-old woman was charged in the Sepang Criminal Sessions Court (1) today for allegedly uploading and disseminating false content claiming a massive increase in petrol and diesel prices.
Siti Nor Sayikilla Binti Mohd Azhar faced one charge under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588). The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said she used her Threads account on March 31, 2026 to post the fake news, which carried the name and logo of BuletinTV3.
The post falsely claimed a sharp rise in fuel prices effective April 1, 2026 — a claim that differed significantly from official sources.
The accused pleaded not guilty and elected for trial. The court set bail at RM4,000 and fixed the next mention of the case on May 4, 2026.
If convicted, she faces a maximum fine of RM500,000, or imprisonment for up to two years, or both, under Section 233(2) of the same Act.
In its media statement, MCMC stressed that it takes serious action against the misuse of social media and digital platforms to spread misleading information intended to confuse the public.
“The MCMC views seriously any abuse of social media and digital media platforms aimed at misleading the public through the dissemination of false information. Strict action will be taken against any individual found to have violated existing laws,” the statement read.
MCMC also reminded the public to act responsibly when using social media and digital platforms, and not to misuse communication facilities to upload or spread content that could affect social harmony and public order.
The case is the latest in MCMC’s ongoing crackdown on fake news related to national issues, particularly those involving essential goods such as fuel.
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