PETALING JAYA: The unauthorised dissemination of another person’s personal information, including home addresses, is illegal, Bukit Aman has reminded the public.
In a statement, Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said such acts, which may amount to doxxing, carry legal consequences.
“The police emphasise that the act of spreading, disclosing or displaying a person’s personal information without consent – including residential address, telephone number, identification number and family details – is unlawful and unacceptable under any circumstances.
“The police further stress that the principle of personal data protection applies to all individuals, regardless of background, views or current circumstances, and must not be used to justify acts of retaliation, threats or online harassment.
“In this regard, the police remind the public not to engage in any form of dissemination of personal information and to practise ethics and responsibility when using digital platforms. We will not hesitate to take firm action against any party found to have violated the relevant laws, in line with the principles of the rule of law and public safety,” he said.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail previously urged the public to refrain from issuing threats against former reporter Rex Tan or his family on social media.
He said such online doxxing and threats were unwarranted and “crossing the line”, adding that these actions only served to heighten tensions.
Tan came under public scrutiny after a video of him posing a question deemed racially sensitive at a forum went viral.
He has since issued an apology.
