THOSE SENDING THREATENING SMS CAN BE JAILED

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 12 (Bernama) -- Anyone sending threatening messages with
racial undertones via the short messaging service (SMS) can be jailed between
three and seven years under Section 232 or 233 of the Communications and
Multimedia Act.

Information Communication and Culture Minister Dr Rais Yatim said such
action had to be taken in the interest of national security and harmony.

"Don't exploit the situation. If in the past there were groups saying don't
use the communications law to check freedom, under the present circumstances,
such an opinion is no longer relevant," he told reporters here Monday.

Rais said this when commenting on the action of certain groups who
deliberately took the opportunity from the issue concerning the use of the word
'Allah' and the burning of churches by sending false SMS messages to scare the
people.

The minister said his ministry would assist the Malaysian Communications and
Multimedia Commission to monitor seditious messages before taking further
action.
-- BERNAMA


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