KUALA LUMPUR: The Home Ministry has warned social media users against spreading hate against national football players.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the police are tracking social media users who are doing so.
"Lately, there are personal attacks, in the form of social media postings, on football players. We cannot underestimate that this has cultivated excessive hate (towards the football players).
"We have received reports of social media accounts, including Facebook accounts, that targeted football players solely to spread hate, as well as mock and belittle the players.
"Every action and movement of the players are scrutinised. I urge all to stop," he said after a townhall session following a seminar on cybercrime and substance abuse consciousness.
The seminar was held in conjunction with the Defence Services Asia and National Security Asia 2024 exhibitions.
Present was Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Hussain.
Saifuddin said police would not compromise on public safety and has given his assurance that they are taking threats against the football players very seriously.
He made the statement following the recent attacks on two national football players.
National footballer Faisal Halim was splashed with concentrated sulphuric acid, causing him to suffer burns to several parts of his body, including his face.
Meanwhile, national footballer Akhyar Rashid reportedly suffered minor injuries to his head and legs during an alleged robbery in Kuala Terengganu.
Saifuddin said the police remained committed to tracking and arresting the perpetrators.
He called on the public to not make any speculation, including on the alleged involvement of royalties as the police are investigating the case.
He said police would ensure the safety of football players.
"Our football world is still small so priority should be on increasing performance, inculcating a conducive environment and boosting our ranking. The two recent incidents are saddening.
"To all football players, I assure you that safety and peace will remain. They (football players) should focus on the upcoming league," he said.