The Forest Research Institute Malaysia (Frim) today lodged a police report denying a statement being circulated on the social media linking them to the upcoming red shirts rally.

Frim director-general Dr Abdul Latif Mohmod said the rumours that the Institutes's National Day celebrations held last Saturday was linked to Wednesday's planned anti-Bersih rally was ridiculous and seditious.

“The claim (allegedly made by a trekker who was in FRIM) was shocking and so ridiculous that initially we did not think much of it.

“Nonetheless, we sent out a message to all our contacts regarding the rumour, cautioning them about this and explaining that we were having our FRIM National Day Celebration which was a fun, colourful and joyful event.

“Our officers also shared the advisory on their Facebook pages last Saturday,” he said in a statement today.

Abdul Latif said he also lodged a police report against the rumour at the Desa Jaya police station in Kepong today as he was concerned the false message was still being shared.

He said he was disheartened by the rumour and expressed hope police would track the source and catch the culprits.

Inciting racial hatred

"The seditious message was circulating throughout the weekend and may still be shared today based on feedback from our staff.

“While it is totally unfounded, the claim is very serious. It is not only harmful to Frim’s reputation, it is also inciting racial hatred and spreading fear and suspicion,” said Abdul Latif.