KOTA BARU – Kelantan police are seeking the public’s cooperation, especially netizens, in stopping the spread of kidnapping allegations as they are causing fear in the community.
Kelantan police chief Datuk Muhamad Zaki Harun said allegations of attempted kidnapping or abduction of children from schools which were being circulated on social media sites of late had been found to be baseless.
“Several posts that were uploaded on social media and spread have prompted the Royal Malaysia Police, in particular the Kelantan contingent, to conduct an investigation.
“Allegations on the presence of suspicious individuals in school compounds or certain places have been investigated by the police, and all the allegations were found to (be) not leading to a kidnapping or abduction case,” he said in a statement late yesterday.
Zaki said it was an offence to spread unfounded material or news that could cause public anxiety and fear in the community.
He said action under Section 505 (b) of the Penal Code – which concerns making, publishing or circulating statements, rumours, or reports conducing to public mischief – could be taken against lawbreakers.
The law provides a prison sentence of up to two years or a fine or both, for offenders, he said, adding that action under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 could also be taken against them for improper use of network facilities.
For improper use of network facilities, the offenders may be fined not exceeding RM 50,000 or imprisonment for up to one year or both, he added.
He said investigations by Kelantan police last September 22 and 26 into claims of attempted kidnapping of primary school students in the Gua Musang, Kuala Krai and Pasir Puteh districts determined these allegations to be unfounded.
“From investigations conducted, it was found that the individuals said to be in the school area had no intention of kidnapping, but had other business,” he said.
In the Kuala Krai case, he said, the suspicious person was apparently an employee of a water filter service company and was making monthly collections from customers there.
Zaki said a similar incident also happened at the Muhammadi Mosque here early this month with an innocent man, who is believed to have mental problems, being beaten up on suspicions of attempting to kidnap a child.
Regarding a claim that a school in Kelantan issued a circular advising parents to monitor their children due to the risk of them being kidnapped, Zaki said police found no such circular was issued by any school.
He advised the public against spreading false news and to refer to the relevant authorities for verified information. – Bernama, September 27, 2022
