Latest on 'Mutharika suffered cardiac arrest' story

The government of Malawi had denied social media rumours claiming that President Peter Mutharika had suffered a cardiac arrest.

According to a Nyasa Times report, Mutharika had been reported as having "good health" while reports confirmed that he was currently in New York attending the United Nations General Assembly.

Francis Kasaila, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation in the country, dismissed the claims, assuring Malawians that Mutharika was enjoying his stay in the United States.

Describing the Malawian leader as "very strong and healthy", Kasaila expressed his suspicions that the rumour was spread by members of the opposition who had malicious intent.

The development followed on shortly after social media posts surfaced saying that the southern Africa country leaders was down after being affected by cardiac arrest.

Mutharika has since been captured looking fit and vibrant while mingling with dignitaries in New York.

False reports on the state of Mutharika's health have caused the President to recently seek regulation regarding social media recently, with the president claiming that the dissemination of rumours might cause Malawians to panic unnecessarily.

Mutharika, 76, sparked concerns over his health in previous months, after he was caught on camera tripping and falling during a tree planting ceremony.