Ghapur
TAWAU: The police were asked to take action against those who are spreading lies and false news via WhatsApp, claiming that Kalabakan member of parliament Datuk Seri Abdul Ghapur Salleh had collapsed due to a heart attack last week.
Ghapur said in a statement that a police report had been made regarding the slander and false news that was made by his representative, Kalabakan Wanita Umno chief Chaya Sulaiman at around 5:29pm on Thursday.
He said he believed the false news had political motives on his image and credibility, when he was only hospitalized due to abdominal pain caused by food instead of a heart attack.
Ghapur also urged the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to act more proactively in dealing with slander and false news which is today seen widespread on social media such as Facebook and Whatsapp.
“We want MCMC to act decisively, including investigating and addressing the issue of fake accounts on social sites designed to spread propaganda and lies.
“If this matter is not dealt with, things like this can damage the image of the government and the country. People also could be influenced by baseless propagandas spread by those who are irresponsible,” he said.
In the meantime, Ghapur also advised the public not to believe any information they receive or read on social networking sites.
Instead he said, the validity of the information should be examined first to avoid them from believing or sharing information that is not true.