Bandar Seri Begawan - In reference to the alleged kidnapping incident involving a 32-year-old woman and her two-year-old son which was reported to the police recently, the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) hereby confirm that the alleged incident is not true and that no act of kidnapping had ever taken place. However, the case is still under police investigation, a press release stated.

The alleged kidnapping incident was widely circulated through social media such as WhatsApp whereby supposedly a 34-year-old woman and her two-year-old son using a Subaru Impreza had been kidnapped.

The spreading of the information had caused fear and panic amongst the general public who might have believed that the alleged kidnapping incident was true.

The Royal Brunei Police Force would like to advise and caution the public not to make, send or transmit information or messages of questionable authenticity, that are unfounded or are believed to be false, as such an act could cause inconvenience to the public, and especially to government law enforcement agencies, in their efforts to address and resolve the investigation of cases.

In addition, it can also cause confusion, fear, alarm and anxiety to the public.

In this regard, the Royal Brunei Police Force has repeatedly advised and cautioned that the spread of inaccurate, untrue or unfounded news, information or message which may threaten public order is a criminal offence. If found guilty, offenders are liable to be sentenced to prison for up to a period of three years or a fine of B$3,000 under Section 34 of the Public Order Act, Chapter 148.

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin