News portals and websites have been reminded not to spread defamatory statements or anything that could cause squabbles between people.

Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Jailani Johari said although news portals and websites put up notices which said they are not responsible for any comments or statements which are published, they are not exempted from existing laws, including under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

“I want to advise them that if they put up any statements, they have to be responsible (for them). We do not want a society which likes to publish stories which are not verified," he told reporters after launch and press conference of Gerak Khas 2016 at the Finas P Ramlee mini theatre, Kuala Lumpur.

Meanwhile, Jailani said the ministry had held talks with 350 interested parties as well as conducted studies on the proposed amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act which is expected to be tabled in Parliament in March.

He also advised individuals who had been victims of cybercrimes to lodge a report with the authorities so that they could be dealt with through the existing laws.

- Bernama