Machang police chief Ahmad Shafiki Hussin said the Bersatu Youth chief is being investigated under Section 500 of the Penal Code for defamation and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

“In response to the Machang MP’s claim about the diversion of funds, the Machang police received five reports over the past two days,” he was quoted as saying in a Berita Harian report.

“These reports were filed by concerned parties dissatisfied with the MP’s statements and seeking to clear their names.”

Shafiki also urged the public against using telecommunications platforms to spread issues that could compromise safety and order.

On Tuesday, three unity government parties as well as the Machang village development and security committee filed a report against Wan Fayhsal for “defamatory remarks intended to cast aspersions on political parties in the unity government”.

Some 100 representatives of the three parties as well as the committee held a peaceful protest against Wan Fayhsal near the Machang police headquarters.

Machang Umno vice-chief Fakaaruddin Ismail said the police should take appropriate action against Wan Fayhsal, and that they were prepared to take legal action against him.

However, FMT reported that the Bersatu MP would stand by his claim.