Cops identify 2 who called for public rally in JB

They had called for the illegal rally in connection with the recent cycling incident that took the lives of eight teenagers.

JOHOR BAHRU: Police have identified two individuals for issuing statements inviting the public to take part in an illegal rally and insulting the police following the cycling incident on Jalan Lingkaran Dalam here recently.

In the 3am incident on Saturday, eight teenagers were mowed down by a car driven by a 22-year-old woman while they were riding along Jalan Lingkaran Dalam near here.

Johor Bahru Selatan district police chief ACP Sulaiman Salleh said both individuals were detected to have issued the statements through the Facebook social networking site.

He said the first individual was detected to have issued a statement to hold the illegal rally and invited the public to participate and gather at the Johor Bahru City Square.

This was in support of a group of cyclists.

Sulaiman warned members of the public that firm action would be taken against anyone involved in organising or attending the rally.

He said such gatherings were illegal and action could be taken under Section 9(1) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 against those involved.

He said those involved in street protests, processions or parades involving the carrying of banners could also be prosecuted under Section4(2)(c) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.

According to Sulaiman, the second individual was identified as insulting the police and making seditious remarks on Facebook, an offence under the Sedition Act 1948.

Police had received negative reactions and views from the public, which hampered investigations and confused the public concerning the accident, he said.

“As such, the police also advise the public not to issue negative statements, perceptions or unveried facts regarding the cycling accident in the social media, electronic media and print media that can threaten public order,” he added. -FMT