KUCHING: Kuching Police Chief, ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah clarified that a Facebook account claiming that a plane skidded at approximately 3.09 p.m. today, false reports began circulating on Facebook, claiming that an AirAsia aircraft had skidded off the runway at Kuching International Airport runway is fake.
Responding to these rumors, Farhan said they contacted the General Manager of Malaysia Airports Berhad (MAB) Kuching to confirm the situation.
The police chief received assurance that no such incident had occurred at the airport.
Farhan urged the public, particularly social media users, to be more responsible when sharing information.
“Spreading fake news can create unnecessary panic and disturb public order, he said in a statement and this can lead to legal consequences under Section 505 of the Penal Code, which may result in a prison sentence of up to two years, a fine, or both,” he said.
He advised the public to verify information through official sources.
“For any clarifications, the public can contact the Kuching District Police Headquarters Control Center at 082-24444 or visit any nearby police station,” Farhan added.
The police have called on the public to avoid spreading unverified news that could cause unnecessary concern.
By Connie Chieng