QuickCheck: Is it true that a child was kidnapped from a tuition centre in JB?

A VIRAL message has been making its rounds on WhatsApp and social media claiming that there was a boy kidnapped from a tuition centre in Johor Baru. Is this true?

Verdict:

FALSE

Johor police have refuted the viral message and said that they have not received any report on a kidnapping.

In a statement on Saturday (Sept 10), Johor police chief Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat said 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 fake news 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 added.

He advised members of the public to be more alert and not simply believe claims with unverified sources.

References:

1. https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/09/10/johor-cops-refute-viral-message-of-kidnap-say-its-fake-news