IPOH: Police have received three reports on the video by a social media personality who alleged that pupils at a Chinese school in Teluk Intan had sung the national anthem in Mandarin.
Hilir Perak OCPD Asst Comm Dr Bakri Zainal Abidin said the matter would be investigated under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code for uttering statements of public mischief and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act for improper use of network facilities.
ACP Dr Bakri said police had first received a complaint about the three-minute 40-second video on Friday (April 4) at about 7pm.
"The video started with a group of children singing the Perak Anthem, which was then followed by a commentary by a political activist that had caused controversy.
"The person had then raised an issue whereby the National Anthem was sung in another language other than Malay and also claimed that the act had gone against protocol," he said in a statement on Saturday (April 5).
It was reported that Syarul Ema Rena Abu Samah, also known as Ratu Naga, had allegedly accused the Chinese school pupils of disrespecting the national anthem.
Syarul Ema had also apologised on her Facebook page on Friday (April 4) for mishearing the song and removed her post within 10 minutes of uploading it.
When asked whether the social media personality would be called up to assist in investigations, ACP Dr Bakri said the matter was still being investigated.
He added that those found guilty could be jailed for up to two years, fined or both.
"The police would like to remind the people to stop spreading fake news that could affect the country's harmony.
"Acts of spreading unverified information can be punished according to the law," he said, adding that the video, in which the school pupils were shown singing, was recorded in June last year.
"It is important to verify things first before sharing it for the greater good and the country," he added.
