Cops opened probe into 1,897 social media cases since 2019

 

Police say 844 or 44.5% of the cases involving social media postings have been solved. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 1,897 investigation papers were opened for cases involving social media between January 2019 and June 22 this year, said Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Abd Jalil Hassan.

He said of this number, 185 cases touched on the royal institution, 112 cases involved racial matters, 168 cases concerned insults against religions and 248 cases were offences against the government.

“The rest involved cases against individuals or agencies. We have solved 844 or 44.5% of the cases and the balance of 1,053 cases or 55.5% are still under investigation.

“During the period from March 18 last year to June 20 this year, investigations into dissemination of fake news on Covid-19 recorded 254 cases, and of this, 109 cases have been solved and 145 are still under investigation,” he said in a statement today.

Jalil said CID through the Classified Crime Investigation Unit, Prosecution/Law Division (D5) in Bukit Aman was responsible for monitoring cases involving social media and investigating them with the help of state police contingents throughout the country.

He said these cases involved the sharing of fake news or incitements which can stir up feelings of disloyalty, create public anxiety or threaten national harmony through reports disparaging the royal institution, the government, administration of justice, and impinging racial and religious sensitivities.

“Investigations are conducted in line with Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for improper use of network facilities or services, as well as other relevant laws where applicable,” he added.

Jalil advised the public not to abuse social media to share news or information which has not been verified to be authentic.

“The dissemination of fake and seditious news or any news that can cause public anxiety via social media is classified as an offence that can be investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and other laws that are in force,” he said. - FMT