Influencer's Staged Disappearance Sparks Police Complaint

MUAR, July 21 (Bernama) – The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has lodged a police report against a motoring influencer and his younger brother for lodging a false report regarding the influencer’s alleged disappearance in Sungai Tui, Jalan Bukit Kepong, here last Monday.

JBPM Johor Zone 4 chief Senior Fire Superintendent II Norshuhada Amsari said the report was lodged at the Muar District Police Headquarters (IPD) at 11.30 am yesterday on the advice of JBPM Director-General Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad.

“JBPM views the act of making a false report related to a disappearance or accident as irresponsible and inappropriate, as it leads to a waste of time and resources of rescue personnel.

“Moreover, it affects the response to other emergencies, as officers and personnel are focused at the reported location. Such actions also undermine public trust in agencies like ours,” she told Bernama when contacted today.

Norshuhada said the report was also aimed at reminding the public not to engage in such frivolous acts that disrupt the responsibilities of rescue teams.

She said that during the four-day search and rescue operation, more than 30 JBPM officers and personnel from Muar, Labis and Pagoh were deployed to the location immediately after the influencer’s younger brother filed the missing person report.

“The Water Rescue Team (PPDA) was also assigned to the scene, in addition to the deployment of seven assets, including a drone from the Fire Department.

“We were quite disappointed when police later informed us that the individual was in fact safe and had never been at the reported search location,” she said.

Norshuhada also expressed appreciation to all involved, especially the rescue personnel who carried out their duties with dedication, and she hoped the individuals involved would come forward and issue a public apology.

Recently, the media reported that a businessman and owner of a vehicle accessories shop was reported missing after the Perodua Axia he was driving allegedly plunged into Sungai Tui.

However, Muar District Police Chief ACP Raiz Mukhliz Azman Aziz said on Saturday that investigations revealed the 38-year-old man had allegedly staged his disappearance before fleeing to a neighbouring country, with his brother believed to have conspired by giving false statements for personal gain.

-- BERNAMA