THE mystery surrounding the disappearance of the influencer known as 'Ija', or real name Tengku Nizaruddin Tengku Zainudin, 38, was revealed to be just a hoax - planned for personal gain.
Muar District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Raiz Mukhliz Azman Aziz said that investigations found that the victim is believed to have ditched his wife's car in Sungai Tui, Lenga before fleeing to a neighbouring country.
According to him, the missing person report made by his brother on July 15 was believed to have been intended to mislead the authorities.
"The victim, Tengku Nizaruddin, was previously said to have disappeared after informing that he was on his way to Muar to repair the vehicle.
"His younger brother, Tengku Abd Aziz, 30, came forward to file a police report at Lenga Police Station, leading to the launch of a search and rescue (SAR) operation.
"However, investigations found that there were elements of fraud in the report, and the victim's younger brother admitted to abetting and deliberately pretending to carry out search efforts to mislead the police," he said in a statement.
He explained that both individuals, namely the younger brother and Ija, have been taken for statements and further investigations will continue.
"The case is currently being investigated under Section 182 of the Penal Code for providing false information to a public servant and Section 109 for abetting an offence.
"If convicted, they can be sentenced to up to six months in prison or a maximum fine of RM2,000 or both.
"The police stress that making a false report is a serious offence that can affect the resources and priorities of the authorities," he said. - July 19, 2025
