BALIK PULAU: A school in Teluk Kumbar, Penang, denies that it is the venue for a "masturbation contest" as alleged in a viral screenshot of a Facebook post.

A senior assistant principal of the school lodged a police report over the matter on Thursday (Aug 16).

OCPD Supt A.A. Anbalagan said the assistant principal learnt about the post on July 30 and he alerted the school's principal the next day.

The post claimed that the competition would be held at the school at 2pm on Sunday (Aug 19).

Supt Anbalagan said that they found the event was posted on Facebook under the profile of "Ayang Manja" and the screenshot was also shared through WhatsApp groups.

He said the school denied that such a contest taking place and this fake news had tarnished its reputation.

"Initial investigations show that the complainant had received the message and the Facebook post was also spread online," he said.

Anbalagan said the school had no plans for any event on Aug 19 as it was the first day of school holidays.

He added that the fake post was recycled from a similar one two years ago.

"It is irresponsible to post such fake events as it tarnishes the school's name and raises concerns among students and parents especially due to the sensitivity towards such issues," he said.

Police will investigate the matter under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which provides a fine of up to RM50,000, or imprisonment for up to one year, or both, upon conviction.