AMPANG: Police are investigating a video that went viral which shows Ampang Jaya OCPD Asst Comm Mohamad Farouk Eshak giving instructions at an area here hit by a landslide.

       In the video, ACP Mohamad Farouk said that the 55-second clip spread on Facebook shows him acting as the operation commander.

       "The video also showed a Civil Defence Force (CDF) officer, who had disregarded instructions issued by the operation commander by entering the disaster area without permission,” said ACP Mohamad Farouk.

       "The place where the landslide happened is a prohibited area, any unauthorised entry could jeopardise rescue operations," he added in a statement on Sunday (March 13).

       He said that the instruction given by the operation commander prohibited CDF personnel from entering the area, adding that it was given after taking into account all security aspects and the lack of space in the location.

       "In fact, Fire and Rescue Department and Special Malaysian Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team personnel are already on hand for the search and rescue operation," he said.

       ACP Mohamad Farouk said the video has tarnished the police force's reputation, especially that of the Ampang Jaya district police headquarters as it can be interpreted wrongly by the public.

       "We are investigating the owner of the Facebook account and the CDF officer. We will call up the CDF officer soon to record his statement," he said.

       He advised the public not to spread any content on social media without verification.

       "We urge those with information on the incident to contact Ampang Jaya district police headquarters at 03-42897222 or the investigating officer Asst Supt Hida Hayati at 0193838797 or any nearest police station," he said.

       The case is being investigated under Section 505(b) and Section 188 of the Penal Code as well as Section 233 of the Communication and Multimedia Act 1998, he added