JOHOR BARU: The horrific tragedy which saw the deaths of eight teenage cyclists here last week has garnered myriad reactions from the public.
On one extreme end, an individual has called for an illegal rally to demand justice for the victims, and went so far as to exhort citizens to go against the police if the investigation into the case is found to be biased.
In response, Johor Baru South police chief Assistant Commissioner Sulaiman Salleh has warned the public not to overreact to the incident and post negative messages on social media, or through any other avenue.
Sulaiman was referring to a Facebook user who called for the public to gather at the Dataran Bandaraya here for the cause.
"So far, we have identified two Facebook account holders who are extreme in their call for ‘closure’.
"Their actions are seditious and slanderous. They are creating a negative perception of the police.
"Action will be taken against (them and others) who do so," he added.
Sulaiman said the proposed gatherings are illegal, and action would be taken under Section 9(1) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 against those involved.
He said those taking part in street protests, processions or parades, while carrying banners, could also be prosecuted under Section 4(2)(c) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.
According to Sulaiman, the second individual is deemed to have insulted the police and has made seditious remarks on Facebook, an offence under the Sedition Act 1948.
"We urge the public not to issue (incendiary) statements, or create negative perceptions or (spread) unverified facts on the accident on social media, electronic media and print media that can threaten public order," Sulaiman added.
Eight teenagers were killed and another eight were seriously injured when a Nissan Almera, driven by a 22-year-old woman, ploughed into a group of 30 to 40 cyclists at the Inner Ring Road here at 3am on Saturday.