POLICE have refuted viral allegations claiming that a man recently died from electrocution while putting up a political party flag in the Melinsung area, clarifying that the incident shown in the circulating video is not new.
Papar District Police Chief Superintendent Kamaruddin Ambo Sakka said the authorities were alerted last night to renewed circulation of the video across social media platforms.
However, he confirmed that checks established the footage to be from the 2022 General Election, not from the current campaign period for the 17th Sabah Election (PRN17), as implied in the viral posts.
“The incident actually occurred in 2022, not today as alleged in the circulating message,” he said when contacted.
He added that the video is likely being reshared due to the heightened campaign atmosphere, which has seen large numbers of party flags being put up in public spaces, including on electricity poles.
“Perhaps because many are now installing flags everywhere, the old recording has resurfaced as a reminder for the public to be cautious,” he said.
Kamaruddin confirmed that no reports have been lodged relating to any new electrocution cases linked to campaign material installation.
Nonetheless, he urged all party workers to prioritise safety and avoid installing materials near electrical infrastructure.
“So far, there have been no new incidents. If there were, we would have received a report. What is circulating is merely an old recording which had already been reported previously,” he said. - November 19, 2025
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