Fake news: A ‘decision’ that Omani men must take two wives to boost population is false: religious affairs ministry

Muscat: Oman’s religious affairs ministry is taking action after a fake ‘decision’ went viral online. The order purported to be from the ministry and ordered that all Omani men should take two wives in order to boost the population.
First wives who complained about the new ruling were to be punished by the Ministry, according to the post.
The rumour read, “Due to the lack of population growth, the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs decided [that] every man must marry at least two women and the state will support them monetarily.”
The message added, “A woman who tries to prevent her husband [from getting married again will face] a penalty set by the ‘Department of Women Preaching and Guidance’ in the Ministry.”
After dispelling the rumour, the Ministry said, “Referring to the rumour that is being circulated, the Ministry would like to point out that this decision has not been issued by the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs and that they will take legal action against [the person who started] rumour."