Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said the case is being investigated under Section 507 of the Penal Code, which addresses “criminal intimidation through anonymous communication”, Bernama reported.

He said the 36-year-old male informant received a threatening call via WhatsApp from an unknown number.

“The caller, believed to be a local man, threatened the informant in Mandarin, claiming to be from a group of hitmen and demanding the informant stay silent.

“The caller warned the informant that he would be killed within 24 hours if he did not comply, and called it a final warning,” Razarudin was quoted as saying.

According to Razarudin, the whistleblower was also sent two images by the caller, one of a pistol with ammunition and another showing a person shot in the street.

He said the informant expressed deep fear for his own safety and that of his family.

“The informant reported the incident and blocked the number. Since then, no further threats have been made,” Razarudin said, adding that the informant initially suspected that the phone number belongs to a scammer or was dialled incorrectly.

He said further checks revealed that the phone number was no longer in service and had no registered owner.

Razarudin said no other reports had been filed regarding this number and the investigation has returned no relevant records so far.