Singaporean Influencer to Face Charges for False Abduction Claim at Johor Mall

JOHOR BARU, Jan 28 — A Singaporean woman, who falsely claimed she was nearly abducted at a Johor shopping mall last week, will be charged today in the Magistrate’s Court for filing a false police report.

The 45-year-old influencer, Venus Ho, is in police custody and will face charges under Section 182 of the Penal Code, which carries penalties of up to six months in jail, a fine of RM2,000, or both. The charges relate to her false report filed on January 22, where she claimed she was almost kidnapped at the KSL mall.

Ho had alleged that a couple promoting tea forced her to inhale their product, making her dizzy and unconscious. However, police investigations, including CCTV footage, showed no evidence of any attempted abduction.

The claim had sparked concern on social media, with some linking it to broader safety issues in Johor. Johor police assured the public that security in the state is under control and warned against spreading unverified rumors that could cause social unrest.