KUALA LUMPUR – Police have confirmed receiving a report on the alleged abduction of former Sarawak governor Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud from a local hospital.
In a statement, Sarawak police commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata said authorities received the report of the incident which has gone viral on social media.
He said the case is being investigated under Section 336 of the Penal Code. The section covers those who “act negligently as to endanger human life or the personal safety of others.”
“In relation to this, the police have advised the public agaisnt spreading this matter (on social media) and not making any speculation,” Mancha said.
He said any false information being spread about the matter will result in action taken under Section 500 of the Penal Code for spreading falsehoods and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for abusing network facilities.
Several media reports noted that Taib was being treated at the intensive care unit of the Normah Hospital in Kuching, when he was taken off life supporting medications and equipment by a family member late Saturday evening.
Taib was reportedly taken by the family member and an accompanying butler, as well as bodyguards.
This purportedly took place against the orders of the hospital’s doctors and medical staff. – February 5, 2024