by Lian Cheng
KUCHING, Sept 27: Whether an abduction has occurred involving a student near a school, parents and guardians have been reminded to pick up their children on time and to teach kids to be cautious about strangers.
A school in Kota Samarahan has taken immediate precaution to issue a letter titled ‘Kidnap Risk Alert’ in light of a viral abduction attempt rumour involving SK Chung Hua Batu 10 yesterday.
The letter dated yesterday (Sept 26, 2022) alerting parents and calling for their cooperation has been making its rounds on social media.
The letter which was confirmed to be a true copy, consists of three paragraphs.
The second paragraph of the letter says, “I am pleased to inform you that recently there have been a lot of kidnapping incidents among school students. In relation to this, the school authorities hope parents/guardians may take the following steps:
2.1 Dropping and picking up your children on time.
2.2 Frequently caution your children to be alert.
2.3 Always work together with the school authorities should a case occur.
“Your cooperation and attention in this matter is very much appreciated,” the third paragraph read.
A post on social media circulating yesterday had alleged that a student of SK Chung Hua Batu 10 was almost kidnapped near a bus stop in front of the school at about 1pm.
The post quoted the principal of the school saying that during the attempted criminal act, as the student had managed to cry for help, the suspect had to let go of the student and flee the scene.
In response to the social media post, the police told the public to report directly to them if there was a kidnapping or an attempted kidnapping to allow immediate action be taken.
Padawan District Police Chief Supt Abang Zainal Abidin Abang Ahmad said any statement posted without verification and authentic evidence can be investigated under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 when asked to comment on the social media post.
The reckless act of spreading the news on social media without verification, he said, may cause public panic.
He said in his statement yesterday that he has not received any information or police report regarding the alleged attempted kidnap incident.
He further pointed out that the principal of Chung Hua Batu 10 also denied revealing any information or issuing any statement with regards to the kidnapping attempt that allegedly happened.
Following that, he called on the public with any information with regards to the attempted kidnapping to come forward to assist in the investigation. — DayakDaily
