THE Penang Hindu Endowments Board (PHEB) chairman RSN Rayer has issued a stern warning that those spreading false information about the board will face legal action.
Rayer, who is also the Jelutong MP, responded to a viral message containing defamatory remarks against the PHEB that circulated on WhatsApp two days ago.
“No files were ‘smuggled out’ of the PHEB’s office in Komtar on June 4, as accused in the viral WhatsApp message.
“This is a false allegation,” Rayer said during a press conference held at the PHEB office at Jalan Macalister.
PHEB secretary Dr K. Vishantini refuted the claim, stating that no files can be removed from the PHEB office without approval.
Any movement of the files must be recorded.
“On June 4, no files were taken out or removed from the PHEB office.
“After the claims, we checked the CCTV footage in our PHEB office as well as in Komtar, and confirmed that such an incident did not take place,” Dr Vishantini said.
Meanwhile, vice-chairman senator Dr A. Lingeswaran said that the PHEB is undertaking various efforts to empower the Indian community.
“Please do not disturb us; we are working towards bringing betterment to the Indian community through assistance such as educational grants, medical assistance, and also setting up of a cancer fund.
“We are now working towards providing a one-off grant for dialysis patients.
“Not only those who make defamatory remarks but also those who share them will face legal actions,” Dr Lingeswaran said.
Kumaran Krishnan, the Bagan Dalam assemblyman, advised that anyone with complaints should forward them to the relevant authorities such as the police, Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission Act (MACC) or PHEB themselves.
All the commissioners present at the press conference unanimously urged individuals not to spread false information and confuse the community.
It is learned that Rayer has lodged a report with the police regarding the matter.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi