The Malaysian Star reports that those who spread rumors via SMS on racial clashes in Malaysia can be detained under the Internal Security Act. The Malaysian Police Inspector General warned that, the police were aware of unscrupulous persons spreading rumors via SMS to incite racial clashes, which recently happened between the authorities and the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf).
Short messaging services have been of great help during crisis – be it earthquake, tsunami or wild fire or flooding. This incident, though I am not sure of the depth of the SMS rumors that spread in Malaysia, could be an eye opener for the governments to take control of it (only) when in emergency situations.
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