Those who record videos, photos of police on duty can be investigated, says Bukit Aman

Individuals who intentionally record videos or photos of police in the line of duty to the point of interfering with an investigation can be probed under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, Bukit Aman said today.

Bukit Aman CID director Huzir Mohamed said the footage, if made viral, would be seen as an irresponsible act and capable of disturbing public order.

“The police want to remind everybody that every investigation carried out is confidential and cannot be arbitrarily revealed, what more made viral on social media.

“The police also want to stress that the act of recording videos or photos is not a criminal offence. However, in light of an investigation, if they are shared, spread, and made viral, they could interfere with the investigation process,” he said in a statement.

Huzir was commenting on the detention of a man suspected of obstructing the police from performing their duties by recording a raid being carried out at a house in Petaling Jaya, Selangor on Saturday.

“The man made a live recording through the Facebook Live application by using his mobile phone. A warning was issued for the act to be stopped, but the individual persisted (in recording) and police had to detain him for obstructing public servants from performing their duties,” he said.

Meanwhile, Huzir said 41 police reports had been lodged over a Facebook post titled “YDPA Should Not Interfere In National Affairs”.

“Police also urge the public to always cooperate and not to disturb the police in carrying out investigations. Strict action will be taken against those who deliberately threaten public safety and peace,” he said.

Bernama previously reported that the raid was conducted in relation to an investigation of a case under the Sedition Act 1948 involving the University of Malaya Association of New Youth.