SEREMBAN: There have been at least five fake news items circulating on phone messagging apps in the past one week after the dissolution of parliament.

"Malaysians must be alert. These fake news items are meant to mislead the public. There are at least five fake news messages circulating in WhatsApp and WeChat over the past one week," said MCA Youth chief Datuk Chong Sin Woon.

Speaking at a press conference, he said these messages are similar to the fake "Bangladesh voters" messages circulating on social media in the last general election.

These fake messages include a message written in Chinese that warned Chinese voters not to go to night clubs a day before the polling day. The message claimed that police will be arresting the Chinese and will remand them for a few days to stop them from voting.

There is also another one which "educates" voters the "correct" way to mark the voting paper.

"The message has asked voters to mark a cross from a corner to the other end. This is not true. A simple cross is acceptable. If the cross is marked outside of the box, the vote could be void," he said.

Chong said with recent Anti-Fake News Law gazetted, MCA will discuss with its law bureau on whether to report the matter to the police.

"We hope to raise public awareness and advise the public to be careful and do not be fooled by these fake messages. Be careful in sharing such news," he added.

The Anti-Fake News Bill 2018 has received the Royal assent and has been gazetted.