KOTA KINABALU: The authorities have issued a warning to the public not to put up illegal advertisements such as posters and banners on public property especially if they involved allegations of crimes having been committed.

This came after A4-sized posters were found pasted on the pillars of a flyover as well as on streetlight poles in Lintas here several days ago.

The posters contained the photo of a man and a woman, whose names and identity card numbers were also included.

There is also the wording “Penipu” (scammer) printed on the posters.

Sabah Commercial Crimes Investigation Department chief Supt G. Moses Govindarajoo said people should refrain from putting up advertisement materials without approval from the Kota Kinabalu City Hall.

“My advice to those who have fallen victims - lodge a police report instead of putting up such posters as this is against the by-laws,” he said when contacted on Tuesday (May 17).

Supt Moses said police have received three reports on May 12 from complainants who claimed they were victims of a cheating case involving the couple.

He said the complainants alleged they have lost a total of RM341,787.

“The complainants, who are locals, claimed they were cheated after being convinced to invest in a frozen food business in the state capital.

“The case is still under investigation under Section 420 of the Penal Code,” he said.

Luyang assemblyman Phoong Jin Zhe also called on the people not to put up such posters.

“This kind of witch-hunting is not good as it is a very unhealthy culture,” he said when contacted.

Phoong said while he sympathised with the alleged victims, it was not right to go on a public smearing campaign.

“That’s why it’s best to go through the proper channels and let the police investigate the matter,” said the former Sabah youth and sports minister.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/05/17/cheating-cases-lodge-reports-instead-of-resorting-to-public-smearing-campaign-say-cops