"The content of an e-mail should be verified before it is forwarded to other people. If you're unable to do so, lodge a police report immediately," Looi Kien Leong, Pikom's chairman said in a statement.
Over the past two weeks, several individuals were arrested for allegedly circulating e-mail of pre-planned bombings in several places in Kuala Lumpur. They were arrested under Section 28 of the Internal Security Act but have since been released on bail.
The original author, who identified himself only as Jeremy, in his e-mail asked recipients to forward the message to as many people as possible.
Ironically, a check by the Kuala Lumpur police showed that at least six of the 10 suspects either work in the IT sector--including computer programmers and engineers--or are professionals attached to several multinational companies.
"The Internet should not be abused. Users should take extra precaution not to forward e-mail carelessly as the consequences can be damaging, particularly if it concerns the country's peace and harmony, or the reputation of an individual," said Looi.
"It would be good for organizations to keep a watch on staff who frequently forward e-mail," he suggested, adding that many corporations impose conditions of Internet and e-mail usage on their employees.
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I think that the Malaysian authorities are over reacting. I am sure that the people who forwarded the email were just doing so due to concern over their friends or family who might accidentally get affected.
Many of us tend to believe what we read on the Net even IT professionals. I have seen several friends send me emails on such unbelievable thhings but they seemed to have swallowed the bait, hook and sinker.
The authorities should take a closer look at educating the public concerning the Internet.
Posted by Lanun Laut on Friday, December 27 2002 09:34 AM