PENAMPANG – Police have opened an investigation into a viral WhatsApp message describing a senior officer as “gila” (crazy).
The message reads: “Travelling from Lido (KK) to Servay (Penampang) without a valid reason. Summoned for inter-district travel, RM5,000. Orang gila punya kerja? (The work of a crazy man?).”
A copy of the compound allegedly issued was shared along with the message.
Inter-district travel between Penampang, Kota Kinabalu and Putatan is prohibited for those without police permits, except for e-hailing and taxi drivers.
Penampang police chief Mohd Haris Ibrahim said the force is offended by the message referencing one of his senior men, as cops are duty-bound to enforce the standard operating procedures during the Covid-19 lockdown.
“Investigations have been initiated under Section 509 of the Penal Code for uttering words or performing a gesture intended to insult the modesty of a person. It carries a maximum five-year jail term, or a fine, or both.”
He advised netizens to be courteous on social media. – The Vibes, June 27, 2021
