Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the spread of fake news and hate speeches that cause racial tensions will not be tolerated.

He said this as authorities moved to take action against those accused of spreading fake news on the spread of the novel coronavirus in the country.

"The government will take action on those who purposely publish fake news to frighten Malaysians, and even incite racial hatred," Mahathir said at a press conference in Putrajaya today.