KULAI: Social media users are urged to refrain from sharing unverified information that will lead to public unrest, especially regarding the alleged bomb threat to a shopping mall and hotel in Johor Baru, says Teo Nie Ching.
The Deputy Communications and Digital Minister said following the incident on Saturday (Oct 14), some social media pages shared false information "confirming" that bombs were found in the premises, which further stirred fear among the people.
"We saw some social media pages making the claims before getting accurate information from the authorities.
"The police have said that there were no bombs found yet the pages said otherwise.
"This is fake news that should not have made it out (in the first place) as this will cause fear and unrest among the people.
"Social media page handlers should stop creating their own information just to get high engagement," she told reporters before a walkabout at the Temenggong morning market in Indahpura here on Sunday (Oct 15).
Teo, who is also Kulai MP, said her ministry would cooperate with the police to investigate irresponsible parties who spread such information.
"We are not taking the matter lightly as it is quite serious.
"If you are not sure about the information, do not share," she stressed.
It was understood that a popular Johor-based Facebook page shared a post claiming that, "the police confirmed that eight bombs were found in and around the mall premises" after the incident.
On Saturday (Oct 14), the management of the mall and hotel received a phone call believed to be from a foreign man at 6.10pm, claiming that he placed a bomb around the building.
After receiving the mall’s report, Johor police chief Comm Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat said the police deployed 92 officers and policemen to the location five minutes later, including two K-9 units, as well as the Fire and Rescue Department.
"As of 11.30pm, we covered all grounds at both locations and have not found any suspicious objects, and the mall and hotel are safe to operate as usual.
"The police were still at the location to conduct further surveillance, and so far no casualties have been reported," Comm Kamarul Zaman said, adding that the case is being investigated under Section 507 of the Penal Code for criminal intimidation by anonymous communication, which provides imprisonment for up to seven years upon conviction.
On Saturday (Oct 14) evening, several videos made rounds on social media showing throngs of people rushing to evacuate the mall while the sound of an alarm could be heard in the background.
Hundreds of people were seen standing outside the premises as they could not get to their vehicles while the authorities swept the place.
