Is this the first fake news case under the Emergency Ordinance?

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First Case Charged Under Emergency Ordinance for Fake News Allegation

A tuition teacher, Mohd Nazaruddin Yusoff, 50, has pleaded not guilty to charges of posting fake news on Facebook, marking what is understood to be the first such case since the Emergency (Essential Powers) (2) Ordinance 2021 came into effect in March. The alleged offence involved a Facebook post claiming a traffic policeman died after receiving his second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.
Allegation of Fake News Related to Covid-19 Vaccination

Mohd Nazaruddin Yusoff is accused of publishing a Facebook post on April 21, containing false information regarding Covid-19 vaccinations. The post, titled "Mati lagi… di Pontian, vaksin kedua" (Another death… in Pontian, second vaccine), included a photograph and alleged that a traffic policeman had died after receiving his second dose. This act is understood to be the inaugural instance of a charge being brought under the new emergency ordinance specifically for disseminating what is deemed fake news.
Legal Framework and Penalties

The charge against Mohd Nazaruddin Yusoff stems from the Emergency (Essential Powers) (2) Ordinance 2021, which defines 'fake news' as information that is wholly or partly false and relates to Covid-19 or the proclamation of an emergency. Individuals found guilty of this offense face a maximum penalty of three years imprisonment, a fine of up to RM100,000, or both, underscoring the seriousness with which such misinformation is being treated under the current emergency powers.
Court Proceedings and Bail

Mohd Nazaruddin Yusoff entered his plea of not guilty at the Sessions Court in Johor Baru, Johor. He was subsequently released on bail amounting to RM8,000. The court has scheduled July 7 for the next mention of the case, during which further proceedings will be determined. The alleged offence occurred at the Pontian district police headquarters.

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Is this the first fake news case under the Emergency Ordinance?

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