Malaysian authorities are investigating 50 social media accounts for spreading false 3R narratives about a Selangor crash, warning against content that incites racial tension.

PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission is monitoring 50 social media accounts to assist investigations into the spread of false narratives and 3R-related content following a crash in Selangor.

In a statement, MCMC said the matter was being viewed seriously as the content had been manipulated to incite racial tension and jeopardise public harmony.

The commission’s analysis detected elements of coordinated inauthentic behaviour, where identical content was repeatedly disseminated on Facebook and TikTok within a short period to manipulate public perception.

READ MORE: MCMC flags over 50 accounts for spreading racial CIB content

Sensational narratives and exaggerated, racially charged labelling are serious and have the potential to threaten public order.

So far, 40 Facebook and 10 TikTok accounts are being examined to assist investigations.

MCMC said an official statement by the Selangor police confirmed that the incident stemmed from a personal misunderstanding involving land and access issues.

The police confirmed it did not involve elements of gangsterism or racism.

Therefore, any attempt to link the incident to 3R is irresponsible and misleading.

MCMC stressed that it would not compromise with the dissemination of false or hate-inciting content.

It said investigations were ongoing, and strict action would be taken under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 if any legal breaches were found.

Section 233(1)(a) of the Act prohibits the dissemination or publication of content that is false, threatening or grossly offensive with the intent to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass others.

 The Sun Malaysia