KOTA KINABALU: Police have denied rumours circulating in the social media that seven students have been kidnapped in Keningau.
The eight individuals posing for the camera. Seven of them are senior citizens wearing school uniforms. — Picture courtesy of Sabah police
It was learnt that the rumours were circulated through WhatsApp which claimed that four secondary students and three primary students from Keningau were allegedly abducted by an unidentified group before they were released without any condition.
Also circulated in the social media was a photo of eight individuals, seen standing in a line and posing for the camera. Seven of them were senior citizens wearing school uniforms.
The message, which was sent to a police officer in Keningau yesterday, read: “18/10/2014 @ 3pm: 4 pelajar sekolah menengah dan 3 murid sekolah yg diculik sejak Isnin lalu dapat diselamatkan
drpd penculik slps rundingan panjang antara pihak PDRM Kgau dgn kumpulan kecil penculik berjaya. Kes ini sengaja dirahsiakan utk mengelak spekulasi negatif drpd masyarakat sekitar dan juga utk menjaga ketenteraman awam. Pihak penculik juga menyerahkan kembali 7 pelajar ini tanpa apa2 syarat dan wang tebusan w/pun pada mulanya meminta wang tebusan sebanyak rm500 ribu bagi setiap satu pelajar. Syukur utk semua pelajar yg selamat.”
Translation: “18/10/2014 @ 3pm: 4 secondary school students and 3 primary school pupils kidnapped last Monday were rescued from their kidnappers soon after the negotiations between the Keningau police and a small group of kidnappers were successful. This case was deliberately kept secret to avoid negative speculations from the community as well as to maintain public order. The kidnappers also released the 7 students without any conditions and ransom, although initially they had demanded a ransom of RM500,000 for each student. Thankfully, all students are safe.”
Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jalaluddin Abdul Rahman yesterday said following the incident, police had opened an investigation paper and were trying to track down those spreading the rumours.
“I can conform that no such incident has taken place as claimed in the social media WhatsApp. Such irresponsible action can only cause fear to the public.
“We are investigating this case and will bring those who are responsible to justice,” he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 505 (C) of the Penal Code which carries a jail term of up to two years and liable to fine, or both.
Jalaluddin reminded the public not to spread rumours that could cause public panic, as police would not hesitate to take stern action. He also reminded the public to be careful in believing any statements or information that are circulated in social media and to verify such information first with the police or relevant authorities.