‘Think before you comment’, Reina Lum urges netizens to be mindful of words amid Akiko’s passing

SHAH ALAM – Social media users should think before they post comments, as their words are visible to others and can deeply affect people’s emotions and mental well-being.

In an Instagram video, influencer and former lawyer Reina Lum pointed out that many Malaysians lacked sensitivity when dealing with situations involving grief.

She was referring to social media influencer Ridzuan Ridzokumura, whose wife, Akiko Okumura, tragically fell from their condominium and died on Feb 28.

"As a society, we should be more mindful of our comments. I'm not too worried about Ridzuan because he's an adult who can take care of himself, although this is undoubtedly a traumatic experience for him to share.

"However, it is far more traumatic and confusing for their son, Sky, because he is just a child going through an incredibly difficult time.

"At the same time, he has access to social media, where he can read all your comments about his mother and his father, who is also grieving alongside him," Reina said in the video.

She emphasised that people had failed to realise how damaging this could be for a young boy.

Reina also advised social media users to stop playing detective by investigating the case themselves, creating their own theories and spreading conspiracy speculations online.

"I understand that people naturally sympathise with the victim and immediately become suspicious. But if you're suspicious, don’t you think the police would be as well?," she added.

She said the law enforcement and forensic experts were the first to investigate any potential foul play in such cases.

Until authorities confirm otherwise, she said the public should refrain from making baseless assumptions.

Ridzuan, whose real name is Abdul Ridzuan Abdul Mutalib, 50, took to social media to share the heartbreaking chronology of events leading to the discovery of his wife’s passing.

He expressed his grief and the news shocked many of his followers, especially as Akiko had appeared in a live broadcast just the night before.

It was reported that Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan confirmed that the case was classified as sudden death, ruling out any foul play.