Not a molester: Old man in viral post actually a close family friend, says police

BUTTERWORTH: Police here have dismissed a viral photo claiming that an elderly man in his 80s had molested a young girl.

Central Seberang Prai OCPD Asst Comm Tan Cheng San said a picture of the elderly man and a girl had gone viral on social media.

“There had been allegations claiming the man touched the girl’s chest and private parts and a warning to remind the public to be careful with the man. Following the viral post, two police reports have been made to deny the claims stated in the post,” he said in a statement on Saturday (July 16).

ACP Tan added that the police investigation found the man was living in Taman Semilang in Seberang Jaya.

“According to the witnesses, the man is single and is unable to communicate well. He and the girl lived in the residential area,” he said.

The mother of the child told police that the elderly man was considered a member of her family and confirmed that the post that went viral was not true and denied the claims,”added ACP Tan.

Meanwhile, ACP Tan advised the public that this matter should not be shared further because it could cause confusion and anxiety among the community, especially in the Seberang Jaya area.

“Posting false information on social media is an offence and the police can take legal action under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 which provides a maximum fine of RM50,000 or imprisonment of up to one year or both, if convicted,” he said.