In a statement, the national oil company said the suspect was also nabbed by police to facilitate investigations into aid he received from the public after his claims.

Petronas said it would extend its fullest cooperation to the authorities.

“We do not condone such misconduct by any of our employees and contractors, who are bound by a strict code of conduct and business ethics while performing services for Petronas and its group of companies.”

Last night, Kota Tinggi police chief Hussin Zamora said they were investigating the false claim, which has since made the rounds on social media, for cheating.

He said the man was believed to have received RM91,000 in donations since June.

The suspect, who is based in Pengerang in Johor, had claimed that his wife, eight children, mother, sister and brother-in-law had succumbed to the virus between June last year and this month.

This led to  social media users, who had sympathised with his plight, donating money and even organising a virtual Yasin prayer recital session for him, which was attended by hundreds.