A screenshot of the video that went viral showing a policeman being sprayed with water allegedly during a protest.
IN THE world of social media, videos can quickly lead to misunderstandings and spark debates.
A recent video has raised questions about whether the public was using water pistols on police officers as a form of protest.
Did this incident reflect public dissatisfaction, or was there another explanation?
Verdict:
FALSE
A viral video showing individuals spraying water at police officers was recorded during the Songkran Festival in Pengkalan Hulu, Perak, and was not an act of protest.
This annual celebration, known as the Water Festival, is part of the traditional Thai New Year festivities observed by the Siamese community in Malaysia.
The video, which circulated widely on Facebook, initially led viewers to believe that the public was using water pistols on the police to express dissatisfaction.
However, an investigation by Bernama's MyCheck.my revealed that the event took place during the National Level Songkran Festival, officiated by the National Unity Minister in collaboration with the Siamese Association of Malaysia.
The police confirmed that the "incident" was actually part of the festivities held at the event and posed no threat or disrespect to the officers, who were on duty escorting the minister.
Pengkalan Hulu OCPD Supt Zulkepli Ibrahim stated that the incident was part of the celebrations and not intended to be a hostile act.
The Songkran Festival has been celebrated at Kampung Tasek in Pengkalan Hulu for the past 50 years.
It involves the playful splashing of water to symbolise purification and the washing away of bad luck.
The police urged the public to avoid making speculative or discordant comments regarding the video.
The festival is a symbol of unity, prosperity, and peace, with participation from leaders and communities of various ethnic backgrounds in Malaysia.
Source:
1. https://www.mycheck.my/more.php?id=2415797
