Inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar today warned of police action against anyone, even VIPs, who spread over the social media unverified information on terrorist threats in the country.

Dissemination of such information could cause anxiety and fear in the people, he told a news conference at Bukit Aman in Kuala Lumpur.

“I warn everyone not to share unverified news on terrorist threats over the social media, even by citing sources, because this equates to spreading rumours,” he said.

Khalid said those who wished to ascertain or confirm any matter should refer to authentic reports.

“The act of spreading unverified reports on social media is not a joke that anyone can indulge in because it is something serious and actionable,” said Khalid.

“To prevent this, the police will continue to monitor social media and online media and work with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission,” he said.

Khalid said the people should report to the authorities if they came across anything in their areas they suspected had something to do with terrorist activities.

Asked whether existing laws were adequate to handle the terrorist threat, he said the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012, Prevention of Crime Act 2013 (Poca) and Prevention of Terrorism Act 2015 (Pota) were sufficient.

- Bernama