BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) has dismissed a viral message circulating on social media alleging that two local individuals were involved in an armed robbery and were hiding in a hotel while being actively pursued by police, stating that the claims are entirely false.
In a statement issued on Wednesday (April 22), the RBPF clarified that no reports or complaints related to such an incident have been received by the authorities. Investigations were also carried out to trace the source of the misinformation.
The police stressed that the circulation of identity documents of the individuals concerned on social media, without any factual basis, is an irresponsible act. Such actions not only affect the dignity and well-being of those wrongly implicated, but also have the potential to disrupt public order.
The RBPF urged members of the public not to share unverified information and to always verify the authenticity of any news before disseminating it online.
The force also reminded that the spread of false information is an offence under the law. Offenders may be prosecuted under Section 500 of the Penal Code (Chapter 22) and Section 34 of the Public Order Act (Chapter 148), which carry penalties of imprisonment and/or fines upon conviction. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
