SWIFT action makes a big difference in kidnapping cases. Social media is often used to garner public assistance and prevent a crime from becoming a tragedy.
Recently, claims circulated on social media that there was an attempt to kidnap a secondary school student in Semparna.
Did this happen? Did someone try to abduct a student in broad daylight in Sabah?
Verdict:
FALSE
Semporna police have clarified that the social media post about a secondary school student's kidnapping in the district was inaccurate and stemmed from a misunderstanding.
Semporna OCPD Supt Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said police investigated the statement that circulated on Facebook on Tuesday (July 16).
It was learned that the purported incident, which occurred around 3.40pm earlier that day at Jalan Kampung Tanjung Kapur, was due to a misunderstanding involving two 17-year-old boys who hitched a ride from a rental car driver on their way home from school.
“After one of the students arrived at his destination, he joked to his friend, who was still in the car, to be careful.
"In return, the driver joked about kidnapping his friend and proceeded to drive away.
“The student inside the car then opened the car door and jumped out, probably due to panic.
“The driver stopped and assisted the injured student. Civilians at the scene also helped the student and brought him to the district hospital, where he received outpatient care for minor injuries to his arm and leg.
“Following the incident, the driver came to the police station to file a report,” said Supt Farhan, adding that both students and witnesses have also been called in to give statements.
He reminded the public not to make statements that could create panic and worry in the community.
References:
