SHAH ALAM - What began as a dramatic missing person case, complete with a sunken car, tearful pleas and a four-day search, turned out to be nothing more than a calculated escape plan.
The 38-year-old automotive influencer is believed to have staged his own disappearance by abandoning his wife’s car in a river and fleeing to Thailand; reportedly to remarry.
Authorities, friends, and the public are now left angry and betrayed. Here is the full breakdown of the bizarre saga.
July 15: The 'Accident' That Sparked a State-Wide Search
On the afternoon of July 15, firefighters in Pagoh, Johor, responded to a call about a car submerged about two meters deep in Sungai Tui, near an oil palm estate in Bukit Kepong. The vehicle, a Perodua Axia, belonged to the 'victim's' wife.
His 30-year-old younger brother reported him missing at the Lenga Police Station, claiming that the latter had last said he was heading to a friend’s workshop in Parit Jawa to fix the car.
“We left Johor Bahru in separate vehicles. I went to a different place, while my brother told me he wanted to go to his friend’s workshop. My family last heard from him around 4pm, but after that, they could not reach him.
“At first, we thought he was joking as usual, but started to get worried when we could not reach him and the vehicle was found not far from where we last met,” the younger brother reportedly said.
Authorities launched a Search and Rescue (SAR) operation that mobilised 77 personnel across various agencies: police, marine units, the Fire and Rescue Department (including a diving team) and a drone unit.
The team scoured land, air and water in a multi-kilometre radius around the river.
July 18: Search Called Off, Doubts Begin to Emerge
After four days of extensive searching with no trace of the supposed victim, police called off the SAR operation. The Incident Command Post (PKTK) was shut down and suspicions began to surface.
“We have completed a thorough search. We are now expanding the search beyond the initial zone, as new factors are coming to light,” Muar district police chief ACP Raiz Mukhliz Azman Aziz said.
Those new factors soon proved damning.
July 19: Staged Disappearance Confirmed
Police revealed the so-called accident was a complete fabrication. The man had allegedly driven his wife’s car into the river, exited safely and fled the country, with the help of his brother.
His brother's police report, it turned out, was a lie to mislead authorities.
“Investigations found elements of deception. The victim’s brother admitted to conspiring and pretending to search in order to mislead police,” Raiz said.
By this time, the influencer had already crossed into Thailand, where he allegedly remarried.
The case is now being investigated under:
- Section 182 of the Penal Code – giving false information to a public servant
- Section 109 – abetment
The penalties include up to six months’ imprisonment, a RM2,000 fine or both.
July 19: Influencer Turns Himself In
After a week of speculation, the man surrendered himself at the Muar Police Station. The investigation continues, with statements taken from both brothers.
Police are awaiting the green light from the Deputy Public Prosecutor to proceed further.
“An investigation paper has been opened involving false reports, untruthful statements, and conspiracy.
“Filing a false report is a serious offence that drains valuable resources and disrupts emergency operations,” Raiz emphasised.
July 20: Friends Feel Betrayed: “We Prayed, We Searched”
The backlash from friends and the public was swift and harsh.
Muhammad Syahmi Mansur, a 30-year-old friend who joined the search effort, pointed out that more than 20 of the 'victim's' friends came from different places.
“Some took leave from work. We were really worried. Now people know me as the guy who swam in the river. I am embarrassed to even leave my house.
“We even considered going to a traditional healer. My family held prayer sessions. But all this time, he was safe in another country,” Syahmi said.
Another close friend, Qaqal Jeffry, posted a lengthy and emotional Facebook message.
“I have known him for more than 10 years. I was worried sick, called in from work and rushed to the scene. It hit me hard because it happened in our village.
“The car was suspicious, no damage, windows down, gear in ‘L’. The AirTag was found on a bridge. That does not happen by accident. That was deliberate.
“Even if it was about debt or wanting to remarry, I will not judge. But to deceive everyone like this? To use people’s emotions and the authorities' time? It is not right,” Qaqal wrote.
Qaqal also revealed that the police tracked the man's ATM withdrawals and passport records, confirming he had crossed into Thailand just a day after the police report was filed.
His brother had allegedly helped him escape by driving him to a bus terminal.
While his motive was not confirmed publicly, speculation centres around personal issues, including financial stress or marital decisions, possibly even a desire to marry someone else in Thailand.
But his friends believe no motive could justify the emotional and social damage caused.
“Just imagine how many people were affected. Family, friends, the public. He may have had his reasons, but it does not make it okay,” Qaqal stressed.
What now?
As of July 20, both brothers remain under investigation. The police have reiterated that false reports will not be tolerated.
“Firm action will be taken against anyone who misuses the police reporting system for personal gain,” Raiz emphasised.