19-07-2025
Motoring influencer faked disappearance, fled abroad, say cops
The case of the missing businessman had drawn wide publicity after his car was found submerged in Sungai Tui, Muar, last Monday. (Facebook pic)
PETALING JAYA : Police believe a motoring influencer reported missing after his car was found submerged in a river in Johor had faked his own disappearance and fled to a neighbouring country.
Muar police chief Raiz Mukhliz Azman Aziz said an investigation showed that the suspect's younger brother was also involved in providing false information for personal reasons, Bernama reported.
Tengku Nizaruddin Zainudin, 38, was reported missing after his car allegedly plunged into Sungai Tui, off Jalan Bukit Kepong, Muar, last Monday. He is a businessman and vehicle accessories shop owner.
The case had drawn considerable attention as rescue workers had failed to locate his body despite their best efforts.
Raiz said Tengku Abd Aziz, 30, had lodged a report at the Lenga police station claiming that his brother, also known as Ija, had gone missing while heading to Muar to repair his car.
'A search-and-rescue operation was launched after a missing person's report was made.
'However, further investigations raised doubts about the report and police believe the disappearance was fabricated.
'The investigations also revealed that the suspect had submerged his wife's car in the river before fleeing to a neighbouring country.
'His brother later admitted to being complicit and pretending to help with the search,' Raiz said in a statement today.
He said police were waiting for an order to investigate from the deputy public prosecutor before proceeding with the case.
The case will be investigated under Section 182 of the Penal Code for providing false information and Section 109 for abetting a criminal offence.
