Disseminating such unreliable information is highly irresponsible and only creates unnecessary panic, he said, Bernama reported.

Saifuddin said a small number of netizens were behind the spread of such false information. “Stop this immediately,” he said. If those responsible were identified, police would take action for spreading false news and causing fear and unrest in the community.

False information about Kuala Lumpur being unsafe spread online after an Indian tourist was swallowed up in an eight-metre deep sinkhole which opened up while she was walking in the Masjid India area of Kuala Lumpur.

Despite persistent efforts to locate the sinkhole victim, Vijayaletchumy, 48, she has not been found. The search and rescue operation was called off today.

Saifuddin said: “The victim’s family is still waiting and hoping, while the authorities have repeatedly assured us that our priority is safety, including in the surrounding areas.”

Yesterday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also gave an assurance that Kuala Lumpur remains safe for visitors despite the occurrence of several sinkholes recently.