CYBERJAYA, Sept 3 — The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has launched an investigation into Manjoi Assemblyman Mohd Hafez Sabri following a false racist social media post linked to the recent state-level National Day celebration in Ipoh, Perak.
In a statement today, MCMC said Mohd Hafez’s statement was recorded regarding the post, which falsely alleged that a Chinese woman was involved in an incident where a woman went on stage during the event.
“This claim has been confirmed as untrue by the Director of the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department. Such false information has the potential to incite racial tension and create negative perceptions within the community,” the statement read.
MCMC added that Mohd Hafez’s statement was recorded, and further investigations were carried out in collaboration with the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) at Bukit Aman Police Headquarters yesterday.
The investigation is being conducted under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 [Act 588], which provides a maximum fine of RM500,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both, upon conviction.
Spreading false and racially-charged content is a serious offence that threatens public harmony and order, it said and advised the public to verify the authenticity of any information before creating or sharing it on social media.
