A tragedy struck our nation yesterday after a light aircraft crashes in Elmina, Shah Alam yesterday, with multiple deaths reported.
A day later, Malaysians are still reeling from the aftermath of the tragedy, with photos and videos of the incident dominating social media.
Following this, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has cautioned the public to not share any graphic photos or videos of the Elmina plane tragedy’s victims, warning Malaysians that doing so is against the law.
In a statement today, the commission expressed condolences to the family of the victims and urges everyone to show respect and empathy toward them. MCMC asserted,
“Following the plane crash incident in Elmina, it is important for us to respect the sensitivity and avoid sharing photos of the victims.”
“Sharing photos or videos of the victims is not only disrespectful to the victims’ families but also contravenes basic principles and ethics.”
Accordingly, MCMC warns that sharing any graphic photos or videos of the incident would be a violation under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
Speaking to WORLD OF BUZZ, Malaysian lawyer Nik Nur Aisyah, a partner at Kuala Lumpur-based law firm ADIL Legal elaborated that the mentioned provision details the improper use of network facilities or network services.
Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998
Based on the provision, sharing graphic photos and videos of the Elmina crash victims may be considered obscene, indecent or offensive communication, which is an offence under Section 233(2) of the Act.
She added that an individual convicted under this provision may face a punishment of a fine of up to RM50,000 or up to 1-year jail or both. This is as per Section 233(3) of the same Act below:
Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998
Hence, let’s respect the privacy and sensitivity of the victims’ families and not share photos and videos of the incident on social media.
WORLD OF BUZZ would like to express our deepest condolences to all the families of the victims and those affected by the tragedy.
Also read: JUST IN: Light Aircraft Heading to Subang Crashes in Shah Alam, Multiple Deaths Reported
