Alice Lau – File photo
SIBU: Lanang MP Alice Lau has urged people not to spread fake news that Sarikei MP Wong Ling Biu has passed away.
Lau said Wong’s condition is relatively stable and urged people to stop spreading rumours to create panic.
Yesterday, it was reported that Wong was tested positive for Covid-19.
A source from DAP said that Wong has not been feeling well since about a week ago and went to Sibu Hospital on last Friday for observation.
He was then quarantined.
He was said to have attended a political gathering in Kuala Lumpur from February 29 till last week.
According to Lau, there were people who accused her of “trying to hide the truth” when she posted a statement about Wong’s condition on her Facebook page.
“I think it is very bad for people to spread this fake news. I am in conversation with the family. All I can say is that he is stable and please stop spreading this fake news.
“I am not hiding anything. I really urge people if they do not know what they read, please do not share so that we do not create panic,” she said when asked to comment on a rumour that went viral last night that Wong had already passed away from Covid-19.
Lau said she also received numerous queries from people asking whether the rumour was true.
“I replied them one by one to tell them this is fake news. However, I realised it is much more effective if I post it on Facebook to clarify everything,” she added.
She was however saddened by the reaction of the people as people tend to believe everything that they saw on Facebook or WhatsApp.
She also expressed her disappointment when people started to viral photos of some of the MPs and assemblyman and assemblywomen with Wong, stating that they were taken in a middle of February and it has been more than 20 days since it was last taken.
Lau also denied another viralled rumour that Wong’s son, who is working at a bank was also infected with Covid-19.
“In fact, the result is already out, and it was negative. People should not share anything before receiving confirmation from the authority.
“I think fake news is even dangerous than the virus itself, because it will create panic,” she said.
Instead, she said this is the time for people to be vigilant and always make sure to practice food personal hygiene.
She also advised the people to update themselves regarding the situation in the state through official government websites and the statement from the State Disaster Management Committee.
Meanwhile, Lau said she is still waiting for her test result for Covid-19.
“I am not sure when the result will be out but. However, once it is out, I will post the update on my Facebook Page,” she said.
She also said yesterday was her last day of isolation and she did not show any symptoms of Covid-19.
“The whole procedure of taking our samples and send for testing was carefully done. I really thank the medical team for their good job,” she said.