SOCIAL media circles in Sabah were abuzz recently with claims of a crime when a teenage girl went missing after going out to buy groceries.
It was said that she left home in Kampung Sri Kenangan, Sepanggar, on Saturday (Jan 3) and did not return.
It was also claimed that she was the victim of a kidnapping or other criminal activity.
Was there an abduction as claimed?
VERDICT:
FALSE
Police have ruled out any criminal element in the purported disappearance of the girl, who was reported missing by her family after going out to buy groceries on Saturday.
Kota Kinabalu OCPD Asst Comm Kasim Muda said in a statement on Tuesday (Jan 6) that the 17-year-old followed a friend to another district and had since returned home safely.
He said there was no foul play involved and the matter was considered resolved.
ACP Kasim said the family told police at 9.02pm on Saturday that the girl had gone out to buy groceries at 5.30pm but had not returned.
"We immediately carried out investigations, including obtaining information from close family members, and made efforts to contact the teenager.
"Investigations found that the girl followed her friend out of the district, and it was confirmed that there were no elements of kidnapping or other criminal misconduct as circulated on social media," he added.
ACP Kasim advised the public not to speculate or spread unverified information that could cause confusion and anxiety in the community.
