JOHOR BARU: Police were merely conducting investigations following a police report made on a political party that had allegedly violated standard operating procedures (SOP) when helping flood victims in Segamat, says the acting Johor police chief.
Deputy Comm Datuk Khaw Kok Chin said the state government, through the district offices, had issued SOP and regulations for the purpose of coordination and security for the benefit of all the parties involved.
"On Friday (Jan 7), the state police conducted an investigation into a video conference that was broadcast live by a politician.
"In the video conference, the politician touched on issues related to the assistance of flood victims in Segamat.
"A police report has been received by the Johor police against the political party over the matter," he said in a statement here Sunday (Jan 9).
He said the police do not consider any volunteers from NGOs or political parties that are helping the flood victims to be committing a legal offence.
He explained that the police will conduct an investigation in accordance with the law on whether there has been any violation in the legal aspect.
"Therefore, if there is a police report received, then it is the responsibility of the Johor police to carry out the investigation, and the results of the investigation will be referred to the Attorney General's Chambers before any charge is made.
"The case is being investigated under Section 188 of the Penal Code for violation of an order declared by a public servant," he said, adding that conviction carries a six-month prison sentence, or a RM2,000 fine, or both.
He said the public has been reminded not to abuse social media and other platforms to commit any illegal acts.
"Stern action will be taken against any individual who intentionally interferes with public order and safety based on the existing legal provisions," he added.
Earlier, Johor Tourism, Youth and Sports Committee chairman Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi lashed out at Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman for making the police his “scapegoat”.
He said when a police report is made against someone who did not follow proper procedure, the police have the responsibility to open an investigation into the case.
Syed Saddiq had said six Muda volunteers were called up by police for providing aid to flood victims directly without going through official channels.
The Muar MP said the volunteers were assisting flood victims from Segamat as they personally asked for help.
He also asked the police not to treat volunteers like criminals just because they provide help directly to the victims.
Deputy Comm Datuk Khaw Kok Chin said the state government, through the district offices, had issued SOP and regulations for the purpose of coordination and security for the benefit of all the parties involved.
"On Friday (Jan 7), the state police conducted an investigation into a video conference that was broadcast live by a politician.
"In the video conference, the politician touched on issues related to the assistance of flood victims in Segamat.
"A police report has been received by the Johor police against the political party over the matter," he said in a statement here Sunday (Jan 9).
He said the police do not consider any volunteers from NGOs or political parties that are helping the flood victims to be committing a legal offence.
He explained that the police will conduct an investigation in accordance with the law on whether there has been any violation in the legal aspect.
"Therefore, if there is a police report received, then it is the responsibility of the Johor police to carry out the investigation, and the results of the investigation will be referred to the Attorney General's Chambers before any charge is made.
"The case is being investigated under Section 188 of the Penal Code for violation of an order declared by a public servant," he said, adding that conviction carries a six-month prison sentence, or a RM2,000 fine, or both.
He said the public has been reminded not to abuse social media and other platforms to commit any illegal acts.
"Stern action will be taken against any individual who intentionally interferes with public order and safety based on the existing legal provisions," he added.
Earlier, Johor Tourism, Youth and Sports Committee chairman Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi lashed out at Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman for making the police his “scapegoat”.
He said when a police report is made against someone who did not follow proper procedure, the police have the responsibility to open an investigation into the case.
Syed Saddiq had said six Muda volunteers were called up by police for providing aid to flood victims directly without going through official channels.
The Muar MP said the volunteers were assisting flood victims from Segamat as they personally asked for help.
He also asked the police not to treat volunteers like criminals just because they provide help directly to the victims.
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