KUCHING: The police have launched an investigation into a case involving the dissemination of false information concerning the health of the Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.
Kuching district police chief ACP Ahsmon Bajah confirmed that on June 23, they received a report regarding the spread of fake news on social media regarding the health of Taib.
The statement claims that Taib is presently in a coma and undergoing treatment at the Sarawak General Hospital. However, these allegations are baseless.
“Consequently, an investigation is now underway under Section 500 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1988. These sections carry a maximum penalty of imprisonment for up to two years, a fine, or both, upon conviction,” he said.
Ahsmon urged individuals to refrain from engaging in speculation or making unverified statements, as such actions are in violation of the law.
Meanwhile, a report was lodged by the Head of State’s press secretary Peter Sibon, and several other officials at the Gita Police Station.
The report was made in response to a WhatsApp message circulated on June 22, falsely claiming that Taib was in an induced coma at the Sarawak General Hospital.
Peter stated that he would leave it to the police to identify and investigate the origin and source of the false news.
