108 detained to probe theft cases, spreading false information on social media

Kelantan police have detained 108 people, including two women, to facilitate investigations into theft and dissemination of false information on social media since the floods hit the country on Dec 17.

Kelantan police chief Datuk Mazlan Lazim said during the period, a total of 37 reports were received, involving theft at business premises while two cases involved the spread of false information about floods on social sites like Facebook and WhatsApp.

The individuals involved were aged between 14 and 40, he said at a press conference at the Kelantan police contingent headquarters, here, today. Mazlan said among the districts affected by theft cases were Kota Baharu,

Bachok, Pasir Puteh, Pasir Mas, Tanah Merah, Gua Musang and Kuala Krai.

"The theft cases are reported to have occurred at night and noon on Dec 26 to Dec 28 when the flood waters were at a high level," he said.

Mazlan said police had set up patrol teams to prevent criminal activities in flood affected areas.

"The team will monitor every area affected by the floods and so far we have four teams in each flood-hit area," he said.