The Johor police are open to receiving complaints uploaded via social media sites, as long as they do not discredit the security force, said chief Datuk Wan Ahmad Najmuddin Mohd.

He said, however, the police could take stern action if the complaint included elements which were demeaning to the department.

"The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) have no problems in carrying out an investigation even if the complaint is uploaded on social networking sites, we are open.

"But the complainant concerned should ensure that any information or complaint uploaded is authentic and not intended to humiliate the police," he told reporters after a rank donning ceremony at the Johor Bahru police headquarters here, today.

He said this when asked to comment on the actions of a Johor DAP leader who uploaded a list of illegal gambling centres located in Gelang Patah on his Facebook page recently.

The leader also listed 22 places where illegal gambling machines were located in Kluang, as well as 18 more in Gelang Patah, and claimed that the police did not take action to close the premises concerned.

Wan Ahmad Najmuddin said he had directed all district police chiefs to take action if the complaint was true.

"My instructions are clear, the police will take action if there are any illegal gambling centres in any area. I want every district in the state to be free of such premises.

"They (those who post the complaints on social media) may have another agenda that we do not know of, however, the police will not act ''hastily'' on statements like these," he said.

-- BERNAMA