Bandar Seri Begawan - The police are urging the public not to be influenced by news circulating on WhatsApp, a mobile application, or any other form of communication, with regards to an alleged attempted kidnapping of a child near a hotel in Belait on Tuesday. The police said the message is not true and is baseless.

The message reads: "Just for your information, do not leave your car unlocked with your child or 'amah' (domestic helper) inside. An incident happened near Seaview Hotel on Tuesday where a man suddenly reached for the passenger door hoping to take the child. Fortunately the car was locked. The driver blared the horn and the stranger quickly ran away. Many people witnessed the incident. So be careful, unexpected things can happen nowadays."

In relation to this, the public has been urged not to believe the news as no police report had been lodged up until yesterday. The police also warns the public not to spread such messages as they are untrue. Additionally it is a crime to spread false news.

Spreading false information that results in stirring chaos and alarm among the public is an offence, and the individual could be charged and penalised under Section 34 of Public Order Act, Chapter 148, which carries a maximum of three years imprisonment or a fine of B$3,000.