PETALING JAYA: A non-governmental organisation (NGO) is under investigation by the authorities after some of its members were pictured wearing attire that resembled uniforms of the country’s security forces.
The probe was launched after a videoclip, which has emerged online, showed several individuals from the NGO entering a hall wearing clothes that resembled official ceremonial uniforms during an event held at a hotel in Taman Subang Perdana recently.
It is learnt that the NGO was formed in 2022 and has more than 200 members.
Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan (pic) said the videoclip could bring confusion to the public who might assume that wearing these kind of uniforms was not an offence.
“We are investigating the incident under Section 140 of the Penal Code, Section 50(3) of the Societies Act and Section 233 of the Communication and Multimedia Act,” he said.
Section 140 of the Penal Code stipulates that anyone who is not a soldier, sailor or pilot in military service but wears attire or carries any token resembling that of a soldier with the intent to impersonate can face up to three months imprisonment, a fine of RM1,000 or both, upon conviction.
“Section 50(3) of the Societies Act carries a sentence of up to three months imprisonment and a fine not exceeding RM3,000 upon conviction.
“For the offence under Section 233 of the Communication and Multimedia Act 1998, a fine not exceeding RM50,000 or one-year imprisonment or both can be imposed upon conviction, and subsequently a RM1,000 fine per day if the offence persists after conviction,” he said.
Comm Hussein urged anyone with information on the incident to contact Sungai Buloh district police headquarters at 03-6156 1222 or the nearest police station.
Meanwhile, Sungai Buloh OCPD Supt Mohd Hafiz Muhammad Nor said police have recorded the statements of three individuals, including the NGO’s founder, as well as the management of the hotel, where the event was held.
“We are also conducting further checks with the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission as well as the Registrar of Societies,” he added.
Supt Mohd Hafiz said police hope to complete the investigations by Jan 10.
“We will refer the investigation paper to the deputy public prosecutor once the investigation is completed,” he added.
