A POST went viral on social media on Monday (Nov 24) claiming that a Year Three pupil was the victim of an attempted kidnapping.
It was said that the suspect, a woman in a black car, drove off with the "victim" but abandoned the girl, who purportedly threw a tantrum, some distance away.
The post claimed that the incident occurred at a primary school in Ajil in the Hulu Terengganu district.
Did this happen as claimed?
VERDICT:
FALSE
Police have confirmed that there was no abduction as claimed on social media.
Sinar Harian quoted Hulu Terengganu OCPD Supt Sharudin Abdul Wahab as saying on Wednesday (Nov 26) that the post stemmed from a misunderstanding of the situation.
He said the so-called victim was dropped off at the school by her father at 6.35am on Monday, when it was still dark and raining heavily.
The child, who was frightened, approached the mother of another pupil and asked to be taken home.
The woman obliged, and the girl asked to be dropped off a short distance from home, opting to walk the rest of the way, Supt Sharudin said.
The social media post went viral soon afterwards, prompting the girl's mother to lodge a police report at 12.35pm the same day, denying any elements of abduction, he added.
Supt Sharudin advised parents and the school authorities to be more aware of the children's safety, especially in the early morning when it is still dark.
"The public is also reminded not to make or spread false speculation that could cause concern," he said.
REFERENCE:
