THE police have denied allegations that there was a racial incident in Sungai Petani, as seen going viral on Facebook recently.

Kuala Muda police chief Zaidy Che Hassan said the news was spread by irresponsible parties, and had stoked uneasiness and angst among the local community.

“The police deny that such an incident had occurred in Sungai Petani. We urge the public to immediately stop the spread of false news because it can undermine the sentiments of the community,” he said in a statement today.

“Stop speculating and we urge anyone with information to contact the investigating officer in Kuala Muda CID at 04-429 9222,” he said.

He said for spreading fake news, police would investigate according to section 504 of the penal code, which provides for a prison sentence of up to two years or a fine, or both.

He added that the investigation would also be conducted under section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which provides for a fine of not more than RM50,000 or imprisonment of not more than two years, or both.

Earlier, a post went viral on Facebook with allegations of a severe altercation between two races in Sungai Petani. – Bernama, August 7, 2022.