The government is taking seriously cases of fraudulent sale of face masks, either on social media or face to face.

Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said losses resulting from the fraud cases were estimated at RM4.2 million.

“The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) will take stern action and urge the public to be more vigilant.

“Buyers can also check the seller’s bank account before making a payment through the Commercial Criminal Investigation Department's ‘Semakmule’ portal or online seller status at www.biztrust.ssm.com.my,” he said at a daily media conference here today.

Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri said the PDRM and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) had opened 229 investigation papers relating to COVID-19 fake news compared to 220 investigation papers the day before.

Of the total, he said, 161 were still under investigation, while 24 have been indicted in court and 13 have pleaded guilty, another 11 have been given a Notice of Warning while 33 others were not dealt any further action (NFA).