KOTA KINABALU: All Sabahans, especially youths, are urged to stop spreading rumours and false information about the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 incident.
In making the call yesterday, Sabah Youth Council (MBS) president Kevin Lim warned that spreading false information on the matter could result in serious consequences.
“We vehemently denounce those who spread false information in social networking websites that mislead the people with regard to this incident.
“Such information, if raised in a blog, for example, could interfere with national security and public welfare. It can also have a bad influence on the country’s economy,” Kevin said in a statement yesterday.
“We hope Sabahans and Malaysians in general, would unite and be sympathetic and not disseminate remarks and false information or politicise the incident to protect the feelings of family members of the victims of MH17,” he said.
He warned that a person who uses the Internet or telephone to spread false information or news can be prosecuted by law under Section 233 (1) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
“Those found guilty could be fined RM50,000 or face imprisonment not exceeding one year or both,” he added.
Meanwhile, MBS condemns, in the strongest possible manner, those who are responsible for the MH17 crash which killed all 298 passengers and crew in Eastern Ukraine near the Russian border.
“We support the call by the Prime Minister (and other world leaders) to bring those responsible for having committed an international crime this heinous to justice. MBS is very sympathetic and our heartfelt condolences go to all the families and friends of passengers and crew on board flight MH17.
“We also fully support the Chief Minister and government efforts to protect the security of the state. Therefore we call on the people in general and youths in particular to support and trust the government in dealing with security issues, especially in the ESSZone area.