Police investigate Facebook post urging arson attacks on ‘foreign’-owned shops in Ranau

KOTA KINABALU: Police are investigating a Facebook post inciting people to burn down all shops purportedly owned by foreign nationals in Ranau and throughout Malaysia. The post drew significant public attention and reportedly received around 200 comments before it was deleted. Ranau OCPD Supt Mursalin Mahmud said police detected the statement on Oct 17 after it was uploaded. He said officers managed to capture screenshots of the statement before the post was removed. “The statement also included the hashtag #pdrm and caused fear and concern among members of the public. “Following this, Ranau police opened an investigation under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998,” he said in a statement. Supt Mursalin said police view seriously any misuse of social media that could create public anxiety and undermine social harmony. He advised social media administrators and users to act responsibly and refrain from abusing communication platforms in ways that violate the law. He thanked people for their vigilance and cooperation with police in efforts to safeguard public safety and well-being.
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