Esscom rubbishes actor’s claim of attempted kidnap
KOTA KINABALU: The Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) has rubbished a statement made by actor Hairul Azreen, who claimed that he was almost kidnapped by pirates while filming Paskal in Semporna.
Describing the claim as baseless, Esscom commander Datuk Hazani Ghazali said the actor and crew members were joined by security forces from the Naval Special Warfare Forces (Paskal) during filming at an area referred to as the Tun Sharifah Roziah sea base.
“I believe there was no such attempt to kidnap them. Such a statement has attracted negative perception from the public on the level of security at the Eastern Sabah Safety Zone (Esszone).
“The actor’s statement is very confusing. Though it may be a promotional gimmick, do not use such a statement for cheap publicity to attract people to watch the film.
“There is no record of any kidnapping throughout 2017 and 2018 so far in the east coast of Sabah,” said Hazani yesterday.
He urged all quarters to be careful in making statements, especially when it involved national security.
“Legal action can be taken for making a false statement and creating fear among the community with regard to security and public order, particularly in the Esszone.
“Therefore, I urge the actor to come forward and make a police report so that Esscom can take the necessary action.”
Hairul had claimed in an interview with Harian Metro on Tuesday that he and actor Ammar Alfian almost became targets of sea bandits while shooting the film in Semporna several months ago.
He said he was told about the matter by the film crew after filming had wrapped up.
He claimed that the alleged kidnapping attempt occurred when the two actors were on an oil rig platform, and that this was the reason he and Ammar were told to stay on the oil rig platform for much longer than scheduled.