No attempted child abduction as viral Facebook post claims - Police

PENAMPANG - The police have confirmed that a recent Facebook post alleging an attempted child abduction in the district is false.

Penampang district police chief Superintendent Sammy Newton said the post claimed that a child was pulled by the arm by an unknown individual while walking in a supermarket.

However, police investigations revealed a different story.

"Further investigation revealed that the complainant was shopping for jewellery when one of her three children, who was behind her, suddenly screamed.

"The complainant then saw an unknown woman near her child," he said in a statement today.

He stressed that the investigation found no evidence of attempted kidnapping, contradicting the claims made in the viral social media post.

"There was no attempted kidnapping, and the viral Facebook post misrepresented the complainant's account.

"Therefore, we urge the public to stop spreading this misinformation, which can cause unnecessary fear and anxiety within the community," he added.

He further warned against spreading false news, highlighting the legal consequences.

"Anyone found to be disseminating false information can be prosecuted under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

"This offense carries a fine of up to RM50,000, imprisonment of up to one year, or both," Sammy added.