POLICE in Kelantan have launched an investigation into the spread of false information surrounding the death of a 19-year old college student who was found with 61 stab wounds in Ketereh last Friday, amid growing concern over viral social media posts containing unverified claims and speculation.
Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said the case is being investigated under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
He said police are treating the circulation of misleading content seriously, particularly posts containing speculation about suspects and the unauthorised use of official police imagery.
“We are taking this matter very seriously due to the circulation of social media posts containing various unverified information and facts regarding the case.
“Among the content detected were speculations about the background of suspects and the use of the Kelantan police chief’s official photograph to attract public attention.
“Also detected was the use of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) official logo without authorisation, giving the impression that the content was an official police statement,” he said in a statement.
Mohd Yusoff said a police report has been lodged and investigations are ongoing, adding that the spread of false information risks fuelling public anxiety and disrupting investigative work.
“As such, the public is advised to be more responsible when using social media and not to spread false information,” he said.
The case relates to an incident at about 12.30am last Friday when the body of a female college student was discovered in Ketereh with 61 stab wounds.
The victim, who was initially found without identification documents, was later identified through fingerprint verification by the National Registration Department.
In a separate development, police have also dismissed viral claims suggesting that the father of a teenage male suspect detained in connection with the case is a retired police officer or a person with influential connections.
Kota Bharu district police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Azmir Damiri said the allegation was untrue and clarified that the suspect’s father is a retiree from another government agency.
“What has gone viral claiming that he is a retired police officer and that there is a ‘big connection’ is completely untrue.
“We are conducting a thorough investigation into this case and hope that the public will not casually upload or share inaccurate information.
“At the same time, I urge the public not to easily believe information being circulated. What is certain is that a full investigation is underway, and there is no such thing as a ‘big connection’ or otherwise,” he said when contacted.
Police said investigations into both the homicide and the spread of misinformation are continuing as authorities seek to maintain public order and ensure accurate information is upheld amid heightened online speculation. - May 4, 2026
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