HOME Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has urged the public to stop spreading false information that portrays Kuala Lumpur as unsafe to live in or visit.

He slammed the dissemination of unreliable information, calling it highly irresponsible.

“It has come to our attention that while the nation is focused on the sinkhole which resulted in a casualty, a small number of irresponsible netizens are spreading fake news.

“It only creates unnecessary panic. I urge this to halt immediately. If those responsible are identified, the police will take action under the law for spreading false news that causes fear and unrest in the community,” he said in response to allegations that the capital city is unsafe for visitors.

The news was spread after a sinkhole incident in Jalan Masjid India on August 23, when Indian tourist G. Vijaya Lakshmi, 48, fell into an eight-metre-deep hole while walking in the area. Despite persistent efforts to locate her, she has not been found.

The search and rescue operation for the woman is now in the search and recovery phase.

On Friday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Kuala Lumpur remains safe for visitors despite the recent appearance of several sinkholes.

Ex-deputy minister under investigation

Meanwhile, Saifuddin confirmed that the police have initiated an investigation into allegations that a former deputy minister is involved in a human trafficking syndicate operating in Myanmar.

He declined to further comment on the case.

“The police have opened an investigation, and I have full confidence in their professionalism in handling the matter.

“However, I can share insights from the recent Asean Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime in Laos, where it was noted that human trafficking is on the rise across all participating countries,” he said.

It was reported that the Malaysian International Humanitarian Organisation had submitted a report to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission on Wednesday, requesting an investigation into a politician and her husband allegedly linked to a human trafficking syndicate in Myanmar. – September 1, 2024.