JOHOR BARU: Police are investigating an alleged kidnapping involving a 59-year-old developer who supposedly abducted outside his house, here on Oct 13.
He was released 14 hours later after a RM20 million ransom was paid.
Johor police chief Datuk M. Kumar said a thorough investigation is ongoing.
"It's unfair to speculate or spread unverified information as the case has not yet been officially classified.
"Kidnapping allegations need a thorough investigation before any conclusions can be made," he said.
A Singapore-based English daily had earlier carried the story about the kidnapping when it was yet to be verified. The original story, which had quoted sources, had originally been published by a Malaysian Chinese newspaper.
The story had reported that the businessman, who is a developer was allegedly putting on his shoes, while waiting for his ride to the Senai Internation Airport when the alleged abduction occurred at 5am.
It was claimed that the victim was attacked, blindfolded, and forced into a car before being taken to an unknown location.
The kidnappers allegedly contacted the victim's family, initially demanding a ransom of RM30 million.
After negotiations, the family managed to reduce the amount to RM20 million, raising part of the sum through a friend in Singapore.
The businessman was released unharmed 14 hours later after the ransom was paid in both cash and bank transfers, the unverified report claimed.