Elmina plane crash: Spreading photos and videos of victims is punishable under law, says MCMC

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission cautioned that sharing photos or videos of victims of the Elmina plane tragedy may be subject to legal action.

It elaborated that those sharing any form of content involving the victims or related parties may face legal action under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

Section 233 is a legal provision against improper use of network facilities or network services. A person who commits an offence under this section shall, upon conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding RM50,000, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or to both, and shall also be liable to a further fine of RM1,000 for every day during which the offence is continued after conviction.

The regulatory body also reminded the public to show empathy and respect in regards to the Elmina plane crash.

“It is important for all individuals to exercise thoughtful consideration by refraining from sharing images of the tragedy victims and not disseminating or further sharing such content,” MCMC said in the statement.

MCMC also expressed its condolences and sympathy to the families of the plane crash victims in Elmina.

On X (formerly Twitter), former Religious Affairs Minister Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri posted that it is “haram (forbidden)” to spread videos or images depicting victims of the tragedy.

He said that it could cause distress to the victim’s family before citing a Hadith that emphasises the need to protect a Muslim’s dignity.

Yesterday, caretaker Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari also urged all parties not to circulate images of the victims and refrain from making any speculation out of respect for the victims’ families in a post on X.