KIDNAPPINGS in Malaysia are rare, although such incidents have made headlines over the years.
Recently, a Singaporean woman claimed that she was almost kidnapped at a shopping mall in JB after she was approached by two suspects, a man and a woman, who offered to sell her tea in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration.
She also further alleged that she was forced to inhale the tea, causing her to feel dizzy and lose consciousness.
Are her claims true?
VERDICT:
FALSE
In a statement, Johor police chief Comm Datuk M. Kumar said police investigations revealed that the alleged abduction did not occur.
“Based on CCTV recordings and technical evidence, no movement involving the victim was detected at the location,” he added.
The investigation papers were referred to the Johor State Legal Advisor's Office, resulting in charges being prepared under Section 182 of the Penal Code for providing false information to cause public officials to use lawful authority to another person’s detriment.
If convicted, the offender faces a maximum penalty of six months’ imprisonment, a fine of up to RM2,000, or both.
The charge will be presented in the Johor Baru Magistrate’s Court on Jan 28, at 9am.
He added that comments about the alleged abduction have gone viral on various social media platforms, receiving negative feedback from internet users who believed the incident truly occurred.
“Social media influencers also commented on the issue, framing it as a threat to the safety of tourists visiting Johor.
“The Johor police would like to assure the public that the safety and security in the state remain under control.
“We are committed to monitoring the security situation and warn that strict action will be taken against anyone who deliberately spreads rumours or manipulates facts to cause public anxiety, particularly concerning safety issues,” he said.
He also advised the public to remain vigilant and consistently report criminal activities in their local areas by contacting the Johor Police hotline at 019-2792095 or the Operations Room hotline at 07-2212999.
