BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

THE Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) cautioned the public against spreading false information, following a recent fatal accident hoax circulating across social media.

Users of social media were reminded to use the Internet responsibly by steering clear of sharing unverified information that could incite widespread panic and fear.

The dissemination of a false report is an offence under Section 34 of the Public Order Act.

Any person, who spreads false reports or statements that could disrupt public order, can be imprisoned for up to three years and slapped with a $3,000 fine.

The warning was issued after viral information about a fatal accident was confirmed by RBPF to be a hoax. A fake message widely circulated on social media claimed a family of three was killed in a car accident at the Rimba National Housing Scheme.

In a separate incident in July, RBPF launched a thorough and immediate investigation into allegations made on social media against police mistreatment.

However, police found the allegations were “absolutely untrue, and in fact it may be construed as a malicious act against the police”.

A case was opened to investigate the source of the false information and track down the person responsible for spreading the accusations.

If convicted, the perpetrator could face up to five years in jail and a fine for defamation under Section 499, Chapter 22 of the Penal Code.

RBPF in a statement also reiterated they “will not make any compromise or protect any of its officers or personnel if any of them commits a criminal offence or flouts any provision of an act or regulation”.

The Brunei Times