IPOH: Police are awaiting the forensic analysis of a suspect's mobile phone before completing their investigation into the alleged online defamation of the Tok Batin (village chief) of the Kampung Lubuk Gaharu Mohd Asmadi Abdullah, following the discovery of missing hiker Jaslinda Saludin.
Perak police chief Comm Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin said investigations have been completed, with only the forensic report outstanding before the case is referred to the Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP).
"Once we receive the report, the investigation papers will be submitted to the DPP for further instructions," he told a press conference at the Perak police headquarters on Monday (July 6).
Earlier, a man in his 30s, who was previously remanded for four days to assist investigations, was released on police bail.
The suspect drew widespread attention after claiming during a livestream that Tok Batin Mohd Asmadi had "kept” Jaslinda for two weeks and intended to marry her if the incident had not gone viral.
He later issued a public apology in a video following the controversy.
The allegations prompted about 50 Tok Batins and Orang Asli community representatives from Batang Padang, Muallim and Kinta to lodge police reports condemning the defamatory claims against Mohd Asmadi.
In a separate development, Mohd Alwi said police have identified the suspect believed to be involved in an attack on two police officers at Kampung Sungai Jernih, Ijok, in Selama on June 23.
"We have identified the suspect and are actively tracking him. We believe he is still in the local area.
"The injured officers remain on medical leave as they continue recovering from injuries sustained in the incident after being discharged from the hospital,” he said.
The 44-year-old sergeant and the 27-year-old constable were attacked while inspecting a man believed to be a drug addict.
Both officers suffered injuries to the head, face and arms after the suspect allegedly attacked them with a sharp weapon before fleeing the scene. — Bernama
