What public safety risks are linked to social media posts?

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Social Media Posts Pose Public Safety Risks by Inciting Racial Tensions and Violence

Police have issued a stern warning to Malaysian social media users against uploading content that threatens public safety and order. This warning comes in response to the emergence of TikTok videos created by youths that reference the May 13, 1969 racial riots and violence. Users are urged to cease the dissemination of provocative material that could incite public disturbances, with authorities indicating that stern action will be taken against offenders under the Communication and Multimedia Acts and the Penal Code.
Incitement of Racial Riots and Violence

Specific concerns have been raised regarding TikTok posts that warn of a potential repeat of the May 13, 1969 race riots. These videos, some of which have garnered hundreds of thousands of views, primarily target supporters of Pakatan Harapan. Many of these posts contain false allegations of political dominance by the Democratic Action Party (DAP) should Pakatan Harapan form the federal government, coupled with anti-Chinese messages and explicit threats of violence.
Promotion of Divisive Narratives and Hate Speech

Further exacerbating public safety risks, some social media content questions the religious conviction of Malay-Muslims who have voted for the DAP, implying that such a vote is incompatible with Islamic faith. The use of hashtags affiliated with Perikatan Nasional in some of these posts is also noted. Research conducted during the 15th general election indicated an increase in race-based narratives, particularly those promoting "Ketuanan Melayu" or Malay supremacy, in the lead-up to the polls.
Exploitation of Religious and Ethnic Sentiments

In addition to race-based rhetoric, there have been instances where religious sentiments are exploited to incite hatred. Reports have highlighted the case of the Islamist party PAS president, who allegedly used a dog-whistle remark calling for violence against specific ethnic groups. This rhetoric invoked divine power to justify the punishment and elimination of certain ethnic communities, further escalating the potential for public unrest and danger.

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What public safety risks are linked to social media posts?

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