They have denied a viral message claiming the father of two sons was fined because the toddlers were not adhering to the rules while on their little kiddie bikes.

The message, which has been circulating on social media and WhatsApp, was accompanied by two pictures, one showing policemen approaching the toddlers on their bicycles, and the other of the supposed compound issued for the boys’ breach of the rules.

The RM1,000 compound was issued by the Kuala Langat district police and lists the offence as failure to wear face masks and adhering to social distancing measures.

When contacted, Kuala Langat police chief Azizan Tukiman said that while the compound was real, it was issued to another person, and not the father of the two boys as claimed.

“That compound was issued on Jan 18. The photo of the policemen with the two boys was taken while the officers were patrolling a housing estate.”

He said there was no connection between the two pictures nor the people involved, and that the linking of the two incidents in the viral message was an attempt to portray the police in a bad light by implying they did not use their discretion or have any tact in their actions.

Azizan urged the public against sharing fake news like this as it could unsettle the people and cause disharmony.

“This is a crime and action can be taken against those responsible,” he said, adding people should verify such messages first before sharing them.

“The public can refer to the Kuala Langat district police operations room or any police station which operates 24 hours a day to get confirmation on any unverified news.”

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