Stop spreading false information about Kuala Lumpur’s safety

KUALA NERUS: The Minister of Home Affairs, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, has called on the public to immediately stop spreading false information regarding claims that Kuala Lumpur is unsafe to live in or visit.

According to Bernama, he stated that disseminating such information without citing credible sources is an irresponsible act.

“It has come to our attention that, while the country is focused on the sinkhole incident that claimed lives, some individuals irresponsibly spread false news.

“This only creates unnecessary panic. I urge these actions to cease immediately, and if those responsible are identified, the police will take legal action for spreading false information that causes anxiety and unrest in the community,” he said to reporters after the Mekar Program’s Document Submission for Identification at the Balai Raya Pulau Redang on Saturday.

The claims about the capital city being unsafe arose following the sinkhole incident in Masjid India, which resulted in a tourist, G Vijaya Lakshmi, 48, going missing after falling into an eight-meter-deep hole on August 23.

He also requested that authorities be given space to carry out rescue efforts.

“The victim’s family is still waiting and hoping, while authorities have repeatedly assured that our priority is safety, including in the surrounding areas.

“Let the authorities perform their duties without unauthorized comments,” he said.

Earlier, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr. Zaliha Mustafa stated that the search and rescue operation for the victim had been suspended today, with efforts now transitioning to the ‘search and recovery’ phase.

Last Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim assured that Kuala Lumpur remains safe for visitors despite recent sinkhole incidents.