Scrutinise validity of information before disseminating it on social media

SUNGAI PETANI: Users of social media must scrutinise the validity of information received before disseminating it so that others will not capitalise on the concern shown by members of the public who want to offer aid, said Tanjung Dawai State Assemblyman Datuk Tajul Urus Mat Zain.
Tajul Urus, who is also Chairman of the State Committee on Education, Transport and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), said in the case of the couple and their one-year-old son living in a guard-house beside an abandoned prawn-breeding pond near here who were alleged to have not received any aid, an investigation was carried out today together with the Kuala Muda District National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), Kuala Muda District Social Welfare Department (JKM), and the Kuala Muda District Religious Department.
"We have investigated and found that the family concerned receives aid from the JKM and the husband, in fact, is receiving the fisherman's allowance, thus the issue that they did not receive aid and were neglected by the local leader and community was unfounded.
"However, the urine test carried out by the AADK on the couple this morning revealed that they were both positive for the drug 'syabu' and both of them would be handed over to the AADK for further action," he told reporters, here today.
He said the Religious Department was also studying the marital status of the couple as they both failed to produce a valid marriage certificate.
"For the time being, their one-year-old son will be placed under the care of the JKM," he said.
Earlier, the story about the family living in a shed at the abandoned prawn-breeding pond near here was viralled on social media when someone claimed that they did not receive any aid and were neglected by the community. — Bernama