The user launched into a tirade against Batu Uban assemblyman Kumaresan Aramugam, claiming the latter did not help the poor, and that NGOs had to do the job of an elected representative.

“[…] If I see you and your MPKK members, I will shoot you all down for causing the rakyat to suffer,” the post read.

In light of the threat, Kumaresan lodged a police report, saying he was worried about his own safety and that of his family. He said the Facebook user had also lied, claiming he had “stolen land and the peoples’ happiness”.

“The house that received aid from the NGO is one that my service centre helps frequently. We have records to back that up, there is no issue of anyone being left out,” he told FMT.

Penang PKR deputy chief Sim Tze Tzin said such hate crimes ought to be acted upon swiftly, since police had more power during the Emergency.

“Threatening an elected representative is a serious matter. There were threats in the past but they stopped. Why the threats are re-emerging, we do not know.

“The authorities must act quickly to deter others from making such brazen statements online,” he said.

The Facebook post is a 27-second video by Persatuan Demi Rakyat Pulau Pinang, showing Penggerak Komuniti Tempatan (PeKT) member M Navalingam handing out food rations to a family quarantined due to Covid-19 at Kampung Sungai Nibong Kecil, Penang.

The post said neither Kumaresan nor Village Community Management Council (MPKK) members have visited. The MPKK involves local leaders appointed by the state government to help the grassroots.

Northeast district police chief Soffian Santong confirmed that two police reports have been lodged. The case will be investigated as criminal intimidation by anonymous communication under Section 507 of the Penal Code, and abuse of the internet under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.