POLICE are investigating kidnappings that purportedly took place in two areas in Johor Baru.

Johor Baru Utara district deputy police chief Fariz Ammar Abdullah said a message claimed the attempted kidnapping of a child at a kindergarten in Bandar Baru Uda.

He said the post also mentioned that kidnappings were frequent in Taman Perling and Bandar Baru Uda, both of which were under the administration of the Johor Baru Utara district police headquarters.

“Police have identified the individual who sent the message in a WhatsApp group, which we believe is made up of individuals and members of the local community. Policemen visited the alleged crime scenes and interviewed some of the individuals there.

“Our investigations revealed there were no reports about the kidnappings and no one has come forward to confirm the attempted kidnappings or reports of the missing children as claimed by the group,” he said in a statement.

However, Fariz added that further investigations were underway, and advised the public not to be easily swayed by viral messages. – Bernama, September 30, 2022.