Teo said MCMC would work closely with the police to take appropriate action against a social media user who had uploaded a post inciting Sabahans to hate Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

She also urged the public to use social media prudently and responsibly throughout the campaign period to prevent the spread of false information.

Commenting on candidates who may have violated the law, she said the ministry has not received any complaint from the Election Commission regarding campaigning offences on social media platforms.

“If there are complaints from the EC, MCMC may assist in taking down the candidate’s campaign materials. However, so far, no such complaints have been received,” she said during a visit to the  ministry’s media centre here for the state election.

She expressed hope that this positive situation would continue until the end of the election campaign period on Nov 28.

Teo said that based on current observations, almost all the candidates are using social media as a campaign medium, as it allows them to reach voters more easily, including those who are difficult to meet face-to-face.

She said social media has become a common platform for the candidates to share their views, explain their political aspirations, and present themselves as potential representatives of the people.

“However, I hope the candidates will use the internet ethically and responsibly throughout the campaign,” she said.

The EC has set Nov 29 as polling day, with early voting taking place on Nov 25.

A total of 1,784,843 voters are eligible to cast their ballots in the state election, comprising 1,760,417 ordinary voters, 11,697 military personnel and their spouses, and 12,729 police personnel and their spouses.