MCMC investigates political influencer and one other over 3R content

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has opened four investigation papers against two individuals who were found to have uploaded false and offensive content containing elements of the 3Rs (race, religion and royalty) on Facebook and TikTok. 

One of the two individuals is a political influencer accused of stirring racial sentiments on social media involving the Perak state anthem, the economic dominance of Malays through the breaking of monopolies such as Petronas and Gas Malaysia, as well as the takeover of the Kuala Lumpur Tower. 

Don't miss: MCMC summons admins of ‘illegal temple’ FB group for inciting racial discord

The questioning was held by the MCMC today at the commission's head office in Cyberjaya yesterday (7 April), according to a statement seen by A+M. The case is being investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1988. Upon conviction, the individual involved may face a fine of up to RM500,000 or a maximum imprisonment of up to two years, or both.

A mobile phone and SIM card belonging to one of the suspects was seized for further analysis. Meanwhile, the phone of the other suspect was confiscated by the police over connections with a separate offence. 

The MCMC said, "The public is advised to use social media platforms responsibly and respectfully, and to refrain from uploading any 3R-related content that could threaten racial and religious harmony in the country."

Earlier this week, three police reports were filed against a political influencer, for reportedly claiming in a social media video that the national anthem Negaraku was being sung in a language other than the national language at a school in Perak, reported Bernama. Police later clarified that the clip was of a group of school students singing the Perak state anthem, not Negaraku.

This also led to the Education Ministry voicing their regrets over the viral video. It also urged the public to reject baseless allegations intended to incite discord and disrupt national harmony. 

The other content which political influencer is being investigated for, involved topics which were recently in the news. This included the explosive fire in Putra Heights that was reportedly caused by a gas pipeline, as well as the dispute between LSH Service Master and Hydroshoppe over the concession to operate KL Tower. 

Just last week, the MCMC called up two main administrators from a Facebook group believed to have incited racial and religious discord, potentially causing public unrest. This was reportedly linked to the “Rumah ibadat haram dibina dimana hari ini?” (‘Where are illegal temples being built today?’) Facebook group, which is believed to have surfaced after the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple issue, for members to identify temples which have been allegedly built illegally across the country.

The commission had also submitted 110 reports to Meta for the removal of racially provocative content from the Facebook group. Out of the 110 requests, Facebook found that 106 pieces of content breached its community standards and have been removed.

In a similar case to that took headlines earlier this year, the MCMC fined Era FM's license holder Maestra Broadcast RM 250,000, for an offense under section 233 of the same Communications and Multimedia Act 1988. The MCMC said it viewed any action that could cause tension between religions or disrupt societal harmony seriously.

A notice of intent to suspend the radio station was previously issued by the commission following the backlash faced by the three hosts for allegedly mocking the religious kavadi ritual in a viral video. However, the station avoided suspension.

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