Home minister says Sosma can be used against those who cause public fear

Individuals issuing statements that could incite others to the point of causing public fear could face action under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma) 2012, says Home Minister Hamzah Zainudin.

He said the enforcement action was in line with the policy of the home ministry as a ministry that wishes to ensure peace and stability in the country.

“There are all kinds of people issuing statements which could incite others and cause public fear, hence the police have to take appropriate action.

“For example, individuals violating the Printing Presses and Publications Act could also face action,” he said at a special media conference at Kompleks KDN today after starting his official duties as home minister under the new Cabinet.

Hamzah said if there were individuals inciting others to the point of causing public uneasiness and trying to run away to another country, Sosma could be used against them.

“Sometimes, some people have taken the wrong ‘medications’ to the point of making various accusations that could influence other individuals who then incite others,” he said when asked to comment on reports that a woman named “Sittah Annur” had claimed that World War III would begin in Sabah and that her group leaders would be looking for (messianic figure) Imam Mahdi to fight the enemy.