A SOCIAL media post claiming that a woman was kidnapped outside a restaurant in Karak, Pahang has been circulating widely, prompting alarm among members of the public.
The post spread rapidly online, with many sharing it out of concern for public safety in the area.
But did a woman really get abducted in front of a restaurant in Karak?
Verdict:
FALSE
The claim is false and no such incident took place, according to the Bentong district police chief Superintendent Zaiham Mohd Kahar.
Zaiham said police were aware of the social media post and had conducted checks and preliminary investigations at the premises.
"Checks and preliminary investigations carried out at the premises found that the allegation was false and that no such incident had taken place," said Zaiham.
The owner of the premises lodged a police report over the spread of the false information at 9.21pm on Monday (Aug 24).
Police have since requested the cooperation of the social media account owner responsible for the post to come forward at any nearby police station to assist in investigations.
The case is being investigated under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, which covers the spread of false information likely to cause public alarm, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which governs improper use of network facilities.
Zaiham urged the public not to readily believe or share unverified claims, warning that the spread of false information can disrupt public order and cause unnecessary alarm and anxiety.
He advised members of the public to report suspected crimes directly to the police to enable immediate verification and action.
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