Do not be fooled by false warnings about extremist attacks and racial riots on social media following the Low Yat Plaza incident, the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) advised the public today.
Police said they were issuing the advisory as they have been detecting many false messages about such attacks and riots in the aftermath of the Low Yat incident over the weekend.
"All these are false and are spread by irresponsible individuals aiming to ruin the racial and public harmony of this country," Inspector-General of Police secretariat assistant head (corporate communications) ACP Asmawati Ahmad said in a statement.
The public should not believe any information from unverified sources and should instead refer them immediately to the authorities for further clarification, she added.
She also warned that legal actions could also be taken against those spreading these false messages under the Sedition Act and the Communications and Multimedia Act.
Not about race
Asmawati said the Low Yat Plaza incident was not related to race issues at all and she criticised the 'irresponsible social media users' who had manipulated it to ignite racial tensions.
On Saturday, a fight occurred at the Low Yat Plaza in Kuala Lumpur over an alleged handphone theft which then escalated to a sizeable group gathering in front of the mall the next night to protest.
The group, who were making racial taunts, then went on a rampage that left several injured.
Related reports
Umno leader, bloggers still detained over Low Yat
Ali Tinju warned against 'disturbing' witnesses
Social media posts on unrest all false: police
Ali Tinju to be charged with sedition, says lawyer
