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KUCHING, June 23: An investigation has been launched by the police regarding false information and unverified reports concerning the Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.
Kuching District Police chief ACP Ahsmon Bajah said that the investigation will be carried out under Section 500 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communication and Multimedia Act 1988.
He also confirmed that a police report was filed today regarding the dissemination of fake news and rumours on social media, suggesting that Taib was in an induced coma at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH).
“These baseless rumours and fake news containing slanderous elements should not be speculated or spread, as it is against the law,” he said in a statement today.
Ahsmon warned that individuals found guilty could face imprisonment of up to two years, a fine, or both.
Meanwhile, Astana Negeri Sarawak, represented by the Head of State’s press secretary Peter Sibon, lodged a police report at Gita Police Station this morning, urging an investigation and an end to the dissemination of fake news and unverified reports about Taib.
According to the police report, Astana Negeri Sarawak was alerted of the rumours circulating on WhatsApp on June 21 claiming that Taib was in an induced coma at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH), fueling speculation about an imminent public holiday declaration.
The spread of these rumors gained momentum on social media, leading local media outlets to seek verification.
Moreover, various other false information and rumours about the status of the Sarawak Governor have also been circulating on social media. — DayakDaily
