by David E.
TUARAN: July 28, 2025 – A social media post using an old photograph from Quezon City Jail in Manila to allege deaths and overcrowding at a Sabah detention centre – while linking the Tausug community to historical claims over the state – is being investigated over concerns that it could trigger sentiments threatening national sovereignty and security.
The narrative was uploaded via a Facebook account bearing the name “Sultan Muedzul-Lail Tan Kiram”, believed to belong to an individual claiming to be the Sultan of Sulu.
Preliminary checks found that the accompanying image was not taken in Sabah but originated from an external source and was used out of context. The post also alleged that deaths had occurred in the detention centre due to overcrowding – a claim that has yet to be verified and is suspected to be false.
Recognising the seriousness of the threat, the chairman of Pertubuhan Amal Kembara Aspirasi Sabah (PAKAS), Keyafatullah Malik Aman, filed a police report at the Tuaran District Police Headquarters on Saturday to enable an immediate investigation to be launched.
He stressed that the content was not merely a difference of opinion on social media but could undermine public order and erode trust in enforcement institutions.
“This is not just a difference of views on social media. If content carries unverified claims, accompanied by images allegedly not reflecting the true situation and linked to narratives about Sabah’s history, it has the potential to create false perceptions among the public, including at the international level,” he said.
Keyafatullah reminded that Sabah is no stranger to threats related to the Sulu Sultanate’s claims. He said every narrative touching on the state’s sovereignty must be assessed based on facts, not visual materials or unsubstantiated statements.
“We cannot wait until a narrative develops into a larger conflict. If there are elements of dissemination of misleading information or attempts to influence public perception of Sabah and Malaysia, action must be taken early. Prevention is always better than dealing with implications that are difficult to control in the future,” he said.
He expressed hope that the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) , the Home Ministry, the Immigration Department of Malaysia, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), and relevant agencies would examine the matter according to their respective jurisdictions.
The public was also reminded not to share unverified content, particularly involving issues of security, diplomatic relations and national sovereignty.
A thorough investigation is expected to provide clarity to the public, while any subsequent action must be based on facts and strong evidence under the law.
