What is the legal penalty for giving false information to police?

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Legal Penalties for Providing False Information to Public Servants

Providing false information to a public servant carries legal consequences under Section 182 of the Penal Code. This section outlines penalties that can include imprisonment, a fine, or both. The specific outcome for an individual often depends on the circumstances of the case and the court's discretion.
Penalties Under Section 182 of the Penal Code

Section 182 of the Penal Code stipulates that whoever gives or furnishes information to a public servant which he knows or believes to be false, and which he knows or believes to be likely to cause that public servant to use his lawful power to the annoyance or injury of any person, or to the prejudice of any public servant, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with a fine which may extend to RM2,000, or with both. This legal framework aims to deter individuals from misleading authorities and causing unnecessary official action.
Case Example of False Information

A recent case illustrates these penalties, where Muhammad Shahril Muhamad Radzuan, a 24-year-old salesman, was sentenced by the Magistrate's Court in Parit Buntar. He pleaded guilty to providing false information to the police regarding the discovery of a newborn baby. The court imposed a sentence of one day in jail and a fine of RM2,000, with an alternative of 14 days imprisonment if the fine was not paid.
Elements Constituting the Offence

To be convicted under Section 182, two key elements must generally be proven: that the information provided was false, and that the accused knew it to be false. Furthermore, the information must be of a nature that could cause a public servant to exercise their lawful powers. In Muhammad Shahril's case, the false information about discovering a baby led the police to initiate an investigation, thereby using their lawful power.
Application to Public Servants

The term "public servant" in this context is broadly defined and includes individuals such as police officers, who are empowered to act on information received in their official capacity. The intention behind Section 182 is to ensure the integrity of official processes by preventing their misuse through deliberate misinformation, thereby protecting both the public and the efficiency of law enforcement agencies.

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What is the legal penalty for giving false information to police?

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