MIRI: Four political secretaries to Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg have lodged police reports here over a viral social media video allegedly showing an individual stepping on the Sarawak flag.
The reports were lodged on Saturday morning at the Miri Central Police Station by Sarkawi Suhaili, Pandang Semat, Sam Laya and Hajis Japar Labaw.
The move comes two days after the footage began circulating on social media and as police investigate the incident under laws relating to intentional insult and the misuse of communications networks.
In his report, Sarkawi said he received a TikTok link through a WhatsApp group at about 10.30 am on August 20.
He said the video, lasting about 15 seconds, appeared to show an individual stepping on the Sarawak flag, also known as the Ibu Pertiwi.
Sarkawi lodged the report requesting police investigation and further action.
A police response issued in connection with the report said the Miri case was linked to an earlier report lodged in Bintulu, identified as BINTULU/011647/26.
The police response stated that the case was being investigated under Section 504 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
Section 504 concerns intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of the peace and carries a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both upon conviction.
Section 233 concerns the improper use of network facilities or services to transmit communications that fall within the provision.
The latest Miri reports follow police confirmation in Kuching that investigations had been opened after two reports were received over the same viral footage.
Police have not publicly established the identity or motive of the individual shown in the footage.
The circulation of the video has prompted several reports from political and government-linked groups in Sarawak.
The Sarawak Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Youth Movement lodged a police report in Kuching on August 20, calling for a thorough investigation into the video and those responsible for its circulation.
The Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS) also lodged a report over the footage.
Police have urged members of the public to refrain from actions or comments that could provoke anger, disrupt public order or inflame tensions while investigations are under way.
The investigation is continuing.
