Police have dismissed a viral social media claim accusing an e-hailing driver of attempting to abduct a female passenger, saying investigations found no evidence that any crime had been committed.
Kota Tinggi police chief Superintendent Yusof Othman said the woman was believed to have suddenly exited the vehicle during the journey, although the reason for her actions remains unclear.
“The e-hailing driver, who is in his 40s, lodged a police report on 15 July to deny the allegation and assist in the investigation.
“He denied attempting to kidnap the passenger, and our investigations found no elements of abduction,” Yusof said when contacted.
The allegation had spread widely across social media platforms, including WhatsApp and Facebook, warning the public about an e-hailing driver allegedly involved in an attempted kidnapping.
The posts also circulated the driver’s photograph and vehicle registration number, urging people to avoid him.
According to a police report shared by the driver’s family, he picked up the passenger at about 6.20pm on 15 June and was driving her to a factory along Jalan Bypass Kota Tinggi.
During the journey, the woman allegedly got out of the vehicle at the Taman Aman three-way junction while shouting for help, leaving the driver shocked and confused.
Members of the public who witnessed the incident approached the driver before the woman’s family arrived a short time later.
The family allegedly informed those at the scene that the woman had a medical condition before paying the fare and leaving.
The driver’s family said the false allegations have severely affected his reputation and livelihood after his identity and vehicle details were widely shared online.
Police have reminded the public not to spread unverified information on social media, as doing so could unfairly damage an individual’s reputation and cause unnecessary public alarm.
