Maximum jail penalty reduced to 6 years in Anti-Fake News Bill (Updated)

KUALA LUMPUR: The maximum jail sentence in the Anti-Fake News Bill 2018 will be reduced from ten to six years, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
She said the reduction of jail term would be part of the amendments to be introduced in the bill during the debate at committee stage.
She added the word 'knowingly' used in defining an offence under Section 4 (1) of the bill would also be replaced with the word 'maliciously'.
However, the maximum fine of RM500,000 would stay, Azalina said.
She said the amendments were made by the government upon consideration of the views and suggestions made by several parties, including the parliamentarians.
"This shows that the government ... is concerned and ready to accept the views and suggestions to ensure the bill is inclusive and comprehensive," she said in tabling the bill for a second reading in the Dewan Rakyat.
Azalina said the bill was not meant to allow the government to restrict the freedom of speech but instead to curb the spread of fake news.
She added the dissemination of fake news, if left uncontrolled, could bring adverse effects to the country, including security threats.
She cited the case of the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines MH370 as an example, where fake news stating that the flight had been found had caused great distress to the next-of-kin.
She added several prominent international figures, such as Queen Elizabeth II and Jackie Chan had previously fallen victim to fake news.
"Whether we realise it or not, fake news can bring negative impact to the country's security and stability," she said.
"The intra and interracial unity that has been built ... can be eroded due to fake news," she added.
Azalina said the bill had exhibited the seriousness of the government to curb the problem of dissemination of fake news in line with the advancement of modern technology.
She said various countries in the world had taken their steps to draft up plans in handling the issue of fake news.