Post claiming Sanusi welcomed by a large crowd in Johor is fake, say cops

A screen capture of the video on Tiktok claiming a huge crowd had gathered to welcome Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor to Johor.

JOHOR BARU: Police are looking into a social media posting that claims that Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor’s visit to Johor was welcomed by a large crowd.

Johor police chief Datuk Comm Kamarul Zaman Mamat said the information in the posting that has been making rounds on TikTok was fake as the event actually took place in Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur last month.

"The event was actually a programme attended by celebrity preachers Ustaz Abdul Somad and Sheikh Aleey Qodir At-Thohiri in the capital city on July 15.

"The video was accompanied with the words 'the reception of Kedah MB in Johor (sambutan kepada MB Kedah di Johor)' and the Luaskan Kuasamu Johor chant, which is closely associated with the Johor Darul Ta’zim football club.

"The video was posted on the platform on Saturday (Aug 26) and we have opened an investigation paper to look into it.

"We are looking for those responsible to aid in investigations as this issue is viewed as provocative and could cause animosity among the people," he said in a statement.

He added that spreading false information was against the law and actions could be taken under Section 505 (b) of the Penal code, which is punishable with a fine or up to two years’ imprisonment, or both.

Actions could also be taken under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which carries a maximum fine of RM50,000 or up to a year in jail, or both upon conviction.

"We urge the public not to be gullible and trust unverified sources. Refrain from sharing the posting as it could affect the peace and harmony of society," he added.