The Anti-Fake News Ordinance has been effective in bringing down misinformation after it took effect in March, Communications and Multimedia Minister Saifuddin Abdullah said.

He said this is based on a sharp decline in criminal cases related to fake information since the implementation of the Emergency (Essential Powers) (No 2) Ordinance 2021 (EO).

Out of 282 relevant cases related to Covid-19 investigated by the police since March 2020, he said only 29 cases were being probed under the ordinance.

"From the aspect of the special ordinance, it is obvious that the ordinance has an important effect. It can reduce the spread of fake news," Saifuddin told a virtual press conference today.