JOHOR BARU: Police have refuted a fake message that is being spread via WhatsApp and social media that there was a kidnapping incident involving a boy at a tuition centre here.
Johor police chief Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat said the police had not received any report on the incident.
He added that further investigations found that the nine-year-old boy was at home with his father.
"Spreading this kind of message is seen as an attempt to create fear and anxiety among the public.
"The act of spreading and making false speculations is illegal, and action can be taken under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which provides for a fine of not more than RM50,000 or imprisonment not exceeding one year if convicted," he said in a statement on Saturday (Sept 10).
Comm Kamarul Zaman added that members of the public should also be more alert and not simply believe such claims which are obtained from unverified sources.
