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Singaporean Fined for Fake Abduction Claim in Johor KSL Mall

 



A 45-year-old Singaporean woman, Amyra Laila Ho, has been fined RM1,000 (S$307) by the Magistrate Court in Johor Bahru after pleading guilty to making a false police report. She had claimed she was nearly abducted at a shopping mall in Johor, a story that later turned out to be untrue.

The Alleged Incident

On Jan 22, Ho filed a report at Larkin police station, stating that an abduction attempt had occurred on Jan 10 at around 1 PM at a shopping mall in Jalan Seladang, Taman Abad.

According to her claims, she was approached by a man and a woman promoting Chinese tea. After declining their offer, the woman allegedly insisted she smell the tea leaves, which she said made her feel dizzy and unable to move. Ho further alleged that the man grabbed her right arm and falsely claimed to be her husband, while the woman took her handbag containing RM400.

Her story quickly spread online, sparking concern among social media users, with some believing that tourists in Johor were at risk. Influencers and netizens voiced their fears, portraying the incident as a growing security threat.

Police Investigations Disprove the Claim

Johor police launched an investigation and reviewed CCTV footage from the shopping mall. The evidence showed that no such abduction attempt took place. There was no recorded movement of Ho at the alleged location that supported her claims.

Johor police chief M. Kumar confirmed that the allegations were false, leading to Ho’s arrest and subsequent charge under Section 182 of the Penal Code. This law prohibits providing false information that causes public officials to misuse their lawful authority.

Court Hearing and Sentence

On Jan 28, Ho pleaded guilty before Magistrate Hidayatul Syuhada Shamsudin. She was unrepresented in court, and the prosecution was led by Deputy Public Prosecutor Nur Fatihah Mohd Nizam.

Under Section 182, the offence carries a maximum penalty of six months in jail, a fine of up to RM2,000, or both. The court fined Ho RM1,000, with a default sentence of three weeks in prison if she failed to pay. She immediately settled the fine.

Viral Misinformation and Public Reaction

By the time the police debunked her claims, her story had already gone viral on social media, causing unnecessary panic among the public. Many online users believed that the alleged abduction attempt was real, leading to widespread concerns about safety in Johor.

Police noted that influencers and netizens further fueled the situation, framing it as a serious threat to tourists. This misinformation created negative perceptions about security in Johor.

Police Warning Against Spreading Falsehoods

Following the case, Johor police emphasized that the state remains safe for residents and tourists. They warned the public not to spread rumors or manipulate facts that could cause unnecessary alarm, particularly concerning safety issues.

Authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to monitoring security and taking strict action against individuals who deliberately spread false information. The police urged the public to be responsible when sharing news and to verify facts before posting on social media.

Conclusion

While Ho has been fined for her actions, the incident serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of spreading false information. Authorities continue to stress the importance of fact-checking before making public allegations, particularly those that could impact public safety perceptions.

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