THE Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) has denied releasing a picture of a dog painted to look like a tiger that has circulated rapidly and widely online.

Bernama editor-in-chief Khairdzir Md Yunus said checks found that the picture is an old photo uploaded in 2020.

“Bernama did not release the photo and regrets the action of irresponsible parties who said it was published by the agency,” he said in a statement.

The picture was uploaded on Facebook, with a caption that read: “Police in Bahau, Negri Sembilan, are looking for a local youth who painted his dog like a tiger on New Year’s Eve and left it to loiter around scaring local drunks to run for their lives – Bernama.” – Bernama, February 2, 2022.