Spread of fake news threatens harmony and public order, says Bukit Aman CID director

KUALA LUMPUR: The fast spread of false information nowadays is seen as dangerous and can cause harm not only to society but the police force as well.

Spreading incorrect information would lead to someone being judged even before the process of the law could begin.

Bukit Aman CID director Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said most cases that went viral on social media were examples of cases that had been judged way before a trial commenced.

“Be it cases involving politicians, civil servants or public members, viral cases are often judged with incorrect assumptions and perceptions.

“With various latest technologies, including 5G, all of us are exposed to early judgment despite the lack of a legal process.

“Even without any valid information or proof, certain members of society will jump the gun and judge anyone, far from justice being served,” he said in his address to CID personnel and officers at the Police Training Centre (Pulapol) on Tuesday (Jan 16).

Comm Mohd Shuhaily said there were those who understood the real situation but were afraid to voice their opinions.

“There are also those who don’t understand certain facts, be it right or wrong.

“In terms of understanding something, the public should get official valid confirmation on a matter or incident, but nowadays, such rational thinking process is lacking,” he said.

Comm Mohd Shuhaily said generally, the act of voicing a reaction without thinking could threaten harmony and disrupt public order.

“Taking into account the perception of society, I urge all members of the CID to change and improve themselves.

“Be it right or wrong, social media users will judge us hastily even though the legal process has not started,” he said.

He said that certain segments of society also “jump on the bandwagon” in following certain opinions without knowing the real facts.

“For example, in a criminal case, there are those who would question why there is no arrest or even a remand, where, in truth, they do not understand the law’s requirement, whether it can lead to an arrest or not.

“In fact, some criticised the police for making an arrest when they do not even know that our investigation is completed, which enables an arrest.

“Actually, this matter is more on the maturity in thinking of society,” he said.