MCMC issues takedown orders for unverified news on Zayn Rayyan case

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has requested social media platforms to take down posts on alleged leaked information about the Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matiin murder investigation.

According to the commission, such posts may affect the ongoing judicial process.

“The MCMC has also submitted an application to the operators of social media platforms including TikTok and Telegram for the removal of the content involved.

“The alleged dissemination of information on the investigation of the case is an irresponsible action and may interfere with the trial of the case,” it said.

Sharing unverified or fake information may be an offence under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, it added.

Section 233 stipulates offences of using network facilities to transmit communication deemed to be offensive or could annoy another person.

An offence under the section is punishable with up to one year in prison, a fine of up to RM50,000, or both.

According to Selangor police chief Hussein Omar Khan, the police have received two reports about the alleged leaks, one by Zayn’s family members and the other by the investigating officer handling the case.

“The investigations are being conducted under Section 8 of the Official Secrets Act, Section 203A of the Penal Code, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act,” Utusan Malaysia reported him as saying today.

Give cops room to investigate

Yesterday, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail commented on the alleged leaks, saying they would hinder ongoing investigations.

The police should be given room to investigate without undue influences that could compromise their objectivity, he added.

Earlier that day, Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said federal police would work with the MCMC to investigate the alleged leaked information.

Berita Harian reported Shuhaily as saying that the police would contact MCMC to remove the content, first detected on the Edisi Siasat Telegram account yesterday, and prevent it from spreading on other platforms.

Edisi Siasat had leaked a purported police investigation diary in the case against Zayn’s parents - Zaim Ikhwan Zahari and Ismanira Abdul Manaf - less than 24 hours after the couple was charged in court.

On Thursday (June 13), it was reported that Zayn’s parents were charged in the Sessions Court with negligence, which potentially caused the child physical injury in December last year.

On Dec 6, Zayn’s body was found in a stream near his home at Idaman Apartment in Damansara Damai, Selangor, a day after he was reported missing.

The child was believed to have been murdered as autopsy results revealed injuries on his neck and body, indicating a struggle.

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