KOTA KINABALU: While their intention may be noble, those who are championing an issue or coming to defence of another individual must verify the facts of the case first before taking it to the social media.
State Police Commissioner Datuk Hazani Ghazali in issuing this advice, said it is important to get the correct facts from the relevant quarters.
Hazani said this when asked to comment on cases of individuals making viral posts in social media on incidents and issues including that of people allegedly being issued police summons for offences against the Covid-19 standard operating procedure (SOP) implemented by the government.
“Don’t just think about becoming the ‘champion’ of making issues viral to the public. I urge these individuals to verify and check the facts with the relevant authorities first like the police or Health Ministry before putting it on social media,” he said.
According to Hazani, for the police, summonses are not simply issued as there is a process that must be adhered to.
“We do not simply issue a summons as we must take down the details and write a report on what the offence was and why it was issued,” he stressed.
Action can be taken against those who spread unverified news, he said, adding that they can be investigated under Section 509 of the Penal Code.
Meanwhile, commenting on a viral video calling on Malaysians to take to the streets in protest of the government on Wednesday (June 30), Hazani said action will be taken against those who do so.
“Deterrent and necessary action stipulated under the law and SOP will be taken. I therefore urge Sabahans not to respond to the call of the viral video,” he said.
The 2.39-minute video by ‘Anonymous’ called on Malaysians to gather at identified locations at 12 pm on Wednesday. They are to wear black attires to show their support to the ‘Operasi Black Democracy’.
“Gather at the Istana Negara and state Istana Negeri as well as state EFP offices. Remember to follow all the SOPs because we are not demonstrating against the police but against the government.
“When you get to the destinations, do not disembark from your vehicles, just sound your horns at 12 noon.
Then take a selfie or a selfie video and post it on social media with the hashtag ‘kerajaangagal’,” the video said.