KUALA LUMPUR: Bukit Aman has detected the circulation of information and photographs of children linked to the ongoing Zara Qairina Mahathir's case being uploaded and shared on various social media platforms, says Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail.
The Inspector-General of Police said the information being disseminated is inaccurate and has the potential to mislead the public.
“This kind of behaviour not only hampers the investigation process but may also interfere with the fair administration of justice,” he said in a statement on Wednesday (Aug 6).
He also stressed that all investigative procedures, including the post-mortem process, are being conducted in accordance with established legal provisions and protocols.
"We urge the public to refrain from uploading or sharing any unverified information, particularly content related to the ongoing investigation.
“The sharing of false or speculative content could jeopardise the case and cause unnecessary distress,” he added.
Sharing of fake and unverified information pertaining to the case is an offence, he said.
"It is an offence under Section 15 of the Child Act 2001, which prohibits the publication of any information that could lead to the identification of a child involved in any legal proceedings,
Section 203A of the Penal Code for disclosing information obtained in the course of one’s duties and Section 233 of the Communication and Multimedia Act 1998 for improper use of network facilities or network services," he said.
The IGP said compliance with the law is the foundation of national peace and public well-being.
"Firm action will be taken against any individual found to have violated these provisions.
"We are committed to ensuring public safety and order are maintained at all times in the interest of all Malaysians," he added.
