PDRM Confirms That Viral TikTok Photos of a “Riot” in Perak Regarding GE15 Are Fake

By Karissa Lund  •  23 Nov 2022 in News

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On Monday (21 Nov), the police warned Malaysian social media users against uploading content that would threaten public safety and order, after the online public brought up clips by youths on TikTok posting content related to the 13 May 1969 racial riots and violence after the 15th general election.

While many are becoming increasingly anxious, rumours and photos of a riot breaking out in Lenggong, Perak went viral over social media. It was allegedly due to the coalition between Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional to form the state government.

Today (23 Nov), Perak police chief Comm Datuk Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri confirmed that the photos were taken out of context and were fake, according to The Star. A police investigation found no such gathering after the formation of the state government.

“Lenggong is the parliamentary area, where Mentri Besar (Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad) contested in the state seat (Kota Tampan), where there are circulation of such photos stating disgruntled members gathered at the Umno building as well as his (Saarani) house after the state government was formed.

“The perception given is that there is unhappiness, and it is not safe, but our investigations revealed that the photos published was that of the atmosphere outside a vote counting centre in Lenggong on the night of 19 Nov.

“So the account holder of the TikTok is being traced, and we urge the public to not post unverified information, videos or photos on social media that can cause panic,” he told a press conference today at the state police headquarters building.

ICYMI, Saarani was sworn in as the 15th Mentri Besar of Perak, at the ceremony held at Istana Iskandariah before Perak’s Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah in Kuala Kangsar on Monday.

The 10 state executive council members, consisting of assemblymen from Umno, DAP, Amanah and PKR – were sworn in before the Sultan of Perak on 22 Nov.