MUAR: A motoring influencer and his younger brother will be charged today for lodging a false report about his disappearance after a car was found submerged in Sungai Tui, Bukit Kepong, last week.

The siblings, aged 38 and 30, face charges under Section 182 of the Penal Code for providing false information to a public servant, and Section 109 for abetment.

Muar District Police Chief ACP Raiz Mukhliz Azman Aziz confirmed the charges, following instructions from the State Prosecution Office.

Initial search and rescue efforts were launched after a report was filed on July 15, involving police, fire and rescue, RELA, APM, and locals. However, further investigation revealed the man had not gone missing, but instead traveled to a neighboring country.

The incident drew public criticism for wasting emergency resources. The Fire and Rescue Department later lodged a police report over the false claim.