SOCIAL media users have been reminded not to post provocative and inciting messages during the Jepak by-election.

Sarawak police commissioner Mohd Azman Ahmad Sapri said investigations under the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Act (MCMC) and other laws can be used by the authorities.

“The security situation in the Jepak area is safe and under control. I just want to advise social media users to be good users and not publish or spread incorrect things,” he said when met by reporters at the by-election nomination centre in the Bintulu Auditorium today.

Azman also said police will monitor any gambling activities linked to the Jepak by-election although they have not yet received any information regarding such activities in Bintulu.

“It is within our scope (assignment). So far we have not received any information regarding betting. We are focusing on that (matter),” he said.

The Jepak state by-election will witness a three-way clash between GPS candidate Iskandar Turkee, Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) candidate Stevenson Joseph Sumbang and Sarawak People’s Aspiration Party (Aspiration) candidate Chieng Lea Phing.

The Jepak state by-election will be held on November 4 following the death of the incumbent Talib Zulpilip on September 15.

The Jepak state constituency has 22,804 voters consisting of 22,761 ordinary voters and 43 policemen. – Bernama, October 21, 2023.