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By Lian Cheng and Karen Bong
KUCHING, June 23: Astana Negeri Sarawak has lodged a police report today, urging an investigation and an end to the dissemination of fake news and unsubstantiated reports about the Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.
Head of State press secretary Peter Sibon filed the police report at Gita Police Station this morning.
“The report was filed against the circulation of fake news and rumours suggesting that Tun Taib was unwell, severely ill, and to the extent that he had passed away.
“So, we leave it to the police to look into and investigate the matter so that all unnecessary fake news will be put to rest,” he said when met by reporters outside the police station today.
Without specifying any individuals or organisations in the police report, ADC to the Head of State Superintendent Hamka Mohamad Hamka advised leaving the matter to the police for investigation.
When questioned about the Sarawak Governor’s current condition, Peter referred to an official statement released by Astana Negeri Sarawak the previous day (June 22), affirming that Taib is in good health, well, and currently with his family.
Hamka also declined to disclose Taib’s current whereabouts when asked by reporters.
According to the filed police report, on June 21 at approximately 8.15pm, Astana Negeri Sarawak, through Peter, picked up rumours circulating on WhatsApp claiming that Taib was in an induced coma at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH).
This then fueled speculation about an imminent public holiday declaration.
The message also quickly gained traction on social media, prompting local media outlets to seek verification of the rumours.
Various other rumours and false information regarding the Sarawak Governor’s status have also been circulating on social media.
The police report was filed to initiate an investigation and stop the dissemination of fake news by irresponsible parties.
Present during the filing of the report were Astana Negeri Sarawak’s security chief ASP Zaim Kamaruzzaman and administrative officer Ratmawati Sabil. — DayakDaily
