The Communications and Multimedia Ministry has advised all users of social media not to add fuel to fire amid the current diplomatic row between Malaysia and North Korea.

Deputy Minister Jailani Johari said this following the spread of news on a Facebook account belonging to a television network in Malaysia that a so-called 'massacre of Malaysians' had taken place in North Korea.

He stressed that the news was false.

"I hope the circulation of this news can be stopped as it is fake and I don't want the news to be misinterpreted and cause anxiety, especially to Malaysians.

"The prime minister (Najib Abdul Razak) and I pray that the safety of those still being held up in North Korea is always maintained.

"Therefore, if there is anyone who still spreading the false news... we will not hesitate to take action," he said after officially opening the SK Sri Buloh Parents-Teacher Association meeting in Hulu Terengganu today.

Jailani, who is also Hulu Terengganu MP, said he had also asked the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to investigate the matter and find the mastermind behind the spread of the false news.

"Yesterday, we received three complaints on viral content alleging that North Korea's missile is capable of reaching Malaysia... and with this new case, there are four under investigation.

"My advice to the people out there is not to be easily influenced by such contents as they was not authentic, and we should get news from the right source and ones endowed with authority.

"Those who try to upload these contents on social media are irresponsible quarters who are trying to aggravate the situation and add fuel to fire," he said.

Meanwhile, Jailani also advised consumers to be wary of spam calls from certain parties requesting them to update their bank accounts.

"We can check our personal information at the bank if the matter involves banking transactions...do not take the shortcut to do it over the phone as it can be detrimental," he said, adding that users should double check if the call was indeed made by a staffer of the bank or otherwise.

- Bernama