QuickCheck: Are children being kidnapped for organ harvesting?

A message has gone viral on social media claiming that children are being kidnapped for organ harvesting. Is there any truth to this claim?

Verdict:

FALSE

A viral message claiming that children are being kidnapped for organ harvesting is fake, say police.

Bukit Aman Corporate Communications head Asst Comm Skandaguru Anandan said the fake message went viral previously in 2017 but was now being circulated on social media platforms again.

"We are aware of a fake message urging the public to be wary of (child abductions). The message claims that the children were drugged before being transported by lorry to a neighbouring country for the purpose of organ harvesting.

"There are no police reports so far regarding such occurrences," he said in a statement on Monday (July 4).

ACP Skandaguru advised the public not to believe unverified news or information.

"Those who spread fake news can be investigated and charged under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for misusing network facilities," he said.