NGO complains to MCMC after cyberbullying leads to a suicide

An NGO lodged a report with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) yesterday after cyberbullying allegedly led to the suicide of a 20-year old woman.

Malaysian Tamilar Kural president David Marshel (photo, above) said the Facebook account that instigated the cyberbullying has since been deactivated after the woman’s death became public knowledge.

“The victim is a Malaysian from Bukit Mertajam, Penang. She made a ‘Tik-Tok’ video with her colleague who is a foreigner.

“However, the video was shared by the ‘Jocker Oruvan’ Facebook page, which accused her of having a relationship with the foreigner.

“It is understood that the victim died after feeling humiliated by the derogatory remarks she received from netizens,” David told Malaysiakini when contacted.

He said he has lodged the report on behalf of the victim’s family, while the victim’s brother has also lodged a police report on the incident.

“We hope the MCMC will take firm action against this Facebook account, which slandered a complete stranger to the point of causing death.

“It is also saddening that the Facebook account’s administrator refused to entertain the family’s explanation and their request to remove the video.

“We home the MCMC will see this case as a precedent for taking stern action against Facebook accounts that only slander people,” David added.

If you are feeling depressed or suicidal, or know someone who is, you may contact Befrienders for help by following instructions on their website.

The Health Ministry and Mercy Malaysia have also set up a psychosocial support hotline for frontline workers and others who are emotionally affected by the Covid-19 outbreak.

The hotline can be reached at 011-63996482, 011-63994236 or 03-9359935, from 8am until 5pm. - Mkini