The police today refuted claims of racial clashes between Malays and Indians in Gurun and Kuala Ketil that went viral on social media.

Kedah police chief Abd Rahim Jaafar stressed that there were no clashes and both areas were safe and peaceful.

“For the record, the dissemination of pictures and messages on the alleged racial tension is totally untrue. 

'The spread of this false news is a very irresponsible act and can cause anxiety and fear in society,” he said in a statement today.

Rahim advised the public to stop spreading unverified news or information on social media as it could trigger racial sentiment and threaten national security.

“Stern action will be taken against any individual or party who tries to threaten public order in the state,” he said.

He said any party found to be spreading fake news could be charged under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948, and liable to a fine not exceeding RM5,000 or imprisonment of up to three years, or both, upon conviction.

- Bernama