GOMBAK: The spread of purported evidence and information on social media involving sexual harassment allegations against a celebrity preacher hampered ongoing investigations, say police.

       Bukit Aman CID director Comm Datuk Seri Abd Jalil Hassan said the information should have been channelled directly to the police instead of posting it on social media where it went viral.

       "We have opened investigations in connection with the spread of obscene videos and messages as it disrupted our investigation.

       "We urge the public to respect the ongoing and thorough investigation conducted by the police," he told a press conference at Gombak police headquarters on Friday (Sept 24).

       He urged members of the public with information that can assist investigations not to share it social media.

       "Give the information straight to the police so that we can complete the investigation (involving the preacher) and refer the matter to the Attorney General's Chambers.

       "We hope for the cooperation of the people on this matter," he said.

       It was reported on Thursday (Sept 23) that police have opened an investigation following the spread of an inappropriate video and messages allegedly linked to a celebrity preacher.

       Comm Abd Jalil had said the case is being investigated under Section 504 of the Penal Code for intentional insult and provocation that could lead to a breach of public peace; and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for unwise use of a network or network services.

       "The police advise (the public) to be responsible social media users and not use the platforms to disrupt national harmony," he said.

       Recently, videos and messages purportedly by the famous preacher have been spreading on Telegram.

       In the videos, a man can be seen performing indecent acts on camera.