TAPAH: A social media personality who alleged that pupils at a Chinese school in Teluk Intan had sung the national anthem in Mandarin has been detained by the police, says Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
He said the police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) have conducted investigations, and the matter has been addressed.
“I have been informed that the influencer has been detained by the police for further action,” he told reporters after a working visit to the Batang Padang Information Department here on Thursday (April 10).
It had been 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 also apologised on her Facebook page on April 4 for mishearing the song and removed her post within 10 minutes of uploading it.
The video showed the pupils singing during an event attended by DAP Socialist Youth chief Woo Kah Leong.
Woo, who is the state executive council chairman and Pasir Bedamar assemblyman, had said those trying to create an issue should learn to differentiate between Negaraku and the Perak Anthem.
Fahmi reminded the people that since February this year, amendments to the Communications Act have come into effect.
He said that under these amendments, violations such as sending offensive or extreme content, defamation, fake news, cyberbullying, and other related matters can lead to fines if convicted in court, up to RM500,000, or a compound of up to RM250,000 before going to court.
He added that this represented a significant increase, and he hoped that it would serve as a deterrent and a reminder for everyone to be cautious.
“Do not spread information that we are unsure about. If you’re not sure, don’t share.
“Please verify first and confirm with the mainstream media. If the media has not reported it, it doesn’t necessarily mean it is true.
“So I urge everyone to be careful. Don’t easily believe information you receive via WhatsApp,” he added.
