Police urged to verify rumours of needle found in a banana

GEORGE TOWN: A photo of a needle found in a banana which was bought at a market here, has raised alarm bells among netizens on social media.
The viral photo was accompanied by a voice message of a woman speaking in Hokkien, alleging that her friend was injured in the mouth after biting into the fruit.
The viral news had raised concerns among consumers on bananas sold at the local markets in Jelutong and Batu Lanchang.
This prompted Batu Lanchang assemblyman Ong Ah Teong to lodge a police report at the Northeast district police headquarters, urging police to investigate if the news was true or a mere prank.
At a press conference today, Ong said he had checked with local hawker associations, who had told him that there was no truth to the claims.
He said such messages could affect the business of traders here, especially during the vegetarian month where many devotees would buy more fruits for the Nine Emperor Gods Festival.
"Therefore, I hope the police will probe the case and nab the culprit," he said.
Also present during the press conference was Jelutong Hawkers' Association secretary Chew Kok Guan.
Northeast district police chief ACP Che Zaimani Che Awang has confirmed receiving Ong's report.