By Nur Ashikin Louis and Karen Bong
KUCHING, Sept 30: The police have opened an investigation paper against the administrator of a social media account for posting and spreading fake news about an abduction attempt at SK Chung Hua Batu 10 recently.
Sarawak Police Commission Dato Mohd Azman Ahmad Sapri informed that the investigation paper was opened following a police report lodged by the school headmaster who denied that the viral abduction attempt of a student occurred at the school.
“The Sarawak police also strongly denies the existence of the recent viral abduction case in Sarawak. No such case has occurred in Sarawak currently.
“Therefore, I want to advise members of the public to not be too fast in sharing any unconfirmed information and to not spread fake news in social media,” he told a press conference at the Sarawak police headquarters today.
The case is being investigated under Section 505 (b) of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Multimedia and Communication Act 1998.
Mohd Azman was clarifying information regarding the viral case on Sept 26, where it was alleged that a student of SK Chung Hua Batu 10 was almost kidnapped near a bus stop in front of the school.
Despite being proven false, he said that the police have increased patrols in school areas and urged the public not to panic or have any reason to feel anxious if they spot the increased police presence around school areas.
Mohd Azman warned that the police will not hesitate to take strict action against any individual who spreads false and untrue or inaccurate news that may cause anxiety and threaten public peace and security.
“Heads of schools and teachers are always welcome to channel any information to the police if they spot any suspicious activities or vehicles around schools,” he added.
When unsure or uncertain, Mohd Azman urged the public to get confirmation and verify information with the police such as the Criminal Investigation Department or relevant District Police Chiefs in the future. — DayakDaily
