CORONAVIRUS | Inspector-general of police Abdul Hamid Bador wants social media users to stop being agents of chaos and hate.
Asked about the fake news epidemic regarding the novel coronavirus, the top cop said people who are not experts should place their trust in the Health Ministry.
"Stop, don't do things to frighten the people. There are too many 'doctors' now, experts who come out with 'half-baked' opinions that they pick up from who knows where and then spread it.... scaring people.
"We must trust the Health Ministry's statements... who are we to simply say that thousands are dead," Hamid said during a press conference at the police academy in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, today.
The novel coronavirus - which has killed more than 100 people - has caused widespread public concern.
However, health officials have also had to contend with numerous fake news about infections and deaths attributed to the virus.
Hamid said police are planning to question at least four people for spreading such fake news.
On a related matter, the IGP said Bukit Aman's Classified Crimes Unit, which is supposed to investigate high profile cases, are inundated by social media postings aimed at inciting racial tensions.
"Stop this hate campaign. Stop! Why do we have such hate?" he said.
Hamid cited a case where a Johor bus driver was reportedly assaulted, and social media postings focused on the alleged attack by a Chinese man - turning the issue racial.
He said there were other viral cases as well, such as those involving road bullies, and drunk drivers.
"Police must immediately act! Arrest (those who sow hate) and take them to the station.
"Trust me, I will not stand idly by... We are going to knock at their doors" Hamid added.
He said police were working very closely with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to identify those who spread hate. - Mkini
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