In a statement, MCMC said three of the five suspects had been called in to have their statements recorded.

“According to complaints received, the content shared by the suspects concerning fuel price increases was false, misleading, and could cause public alarm,” it said in a statement.

MCMC said further checks found that BuletinTV3 had denied publishing content edited using its visuals.

“MCMC also received a complaint from BuletinTV3 stating that the viral false content did not originate from the broadcaster and was created by third parties,” the commission said.

The investigation is being conducted under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which provides for a maximum fine of RM500,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both, upon conviction.

“MCMC views seriously any misuse of social media platforms intended to mislead the public through the dissemination of false information,” the commission said.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim warned that authorities would take firm action against the spread of fake news involving fuel and electricity prices amid a surge in energy prices due to the war in the Middle East.

Anwar said MCMC had recorded 96 cases of fake news on fuel and electricity prices on social media, and that such misinformation was an attempt to undermine national stability.

MCMC previously said it had launched an investigation into three people suspected of spreading false information on social media about a purported increase in electricity tariffs.

MCMC said the false posts misused Astro Awani’s graphics and official content, and were circulated on Facebook, Threads and WhatsApp.

Tenaga Nasional Bhd also denied claims circulating online that electricity tariffs would increase this month.