KUALA LUMPUR: Police received a report from a local actor and singer over an alleged defamatory and provocative social media post made on the ‘Threads’ platform.
Acting Kuala Lumpur police chief, Datuk Mohamed Usuf Jan Mohamad, confirmed this with the New Straits Times, adding that the post was claimed to have damaged the complainant’s reputation.
“The report was filed at 4.12pm on July 18 over a post by the owner of a social media account, which allegedly contained slanderous, provocative, and seditious elements.
“The post was made publicly and is believed to have the potential to tarnish the complainant’s image and reputation,” he said.
He added that the case is being investigated under Section 500 of the Penal Code for defamation and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which covers the misuse of network facilities.
Those convicted under Section 500 could be liable for a maximum two years’ jail, a fine, or both.
Section 233 stipulates a maximum fine of RM500,000 or two years’ jail or both if found guilty, as well as a further fine of RM5,000 for each day the offence continues after conviction.
Usuf said that this case is not related to the ongoing investigation involving local artiste Shila Amzah.
“This case has no connection to the Shila Amzah matter,” he said, addressing speculation linking the two.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
