IGP: Hiccup to tracing source of SMS rumours

The Star

Police efforts in tracking down the sources of rumours of racial clashes via short message service (SMS) in Kuala Lumpur last weekend are being hampered as such messages are being spread through the use of prepaid mobile phone numbers.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said they were however getting to the sources of the rumours which the Prime Minister quashed on Saturday.

“Even if those using prepaid mobile phone services are required to register their numbers, they can still use other names,” Musa told newsmen after meeting senior police officers in the state yesterday.

He said those receiving similar SMSes should stop forwarding them and instead refer them to police.

“If they pass on these messages they are rumour mongering as well and liable to face action as well,” he added.

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi told the people to disregard rumours that Malays would congregate in Kampung Baru while the supporters of the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) would gather in Batu Caves.

He said existing multimedia laws were not enough to curb such rumours being spread though SMS and the Internet and that the most effective mechanism to stop lies and rumours was for everyone to be responsible for their actions and to always be mindful of the country’s interests.

On whether any further action would be taken against the instigators of the Bersih rally in Kuala Lumpur, Musa said police were continuing their investigations into the coalition of opposition parties and NGOs.