PETALING JAYA: Typhoon Rai will not affect Malaysia as claimed in viral messages on social media, says the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).

       It said in a statement on Monday (Dec 20) reported by Bernama that Typhoon Rai is currently heading away from Malaysia, in a direction north-east of Da Nang, Vietnam at a speed of 20km an hour.

       In the notice, MetMalaysia said that information on the typhoon would be updated every three hours.

       “MetMalaysia would like to remind the public to get the correct information regarding weather forecasts and warnings through the official MetMalaysia website and social media accounts, or through its 1-300-22-1638 hotline and the MyCuaca app,” it said.

       It also reminded the public that the spread of any false information could result in legal action under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.