LABUAN, May 17 — Labuan Corporation (LC) has lodged a police report calling for a thorough investigation into a viral Facebook post that allegedly tarnished its image by linking it to a proposed casino development on Pulau Papan.

LC chief executive officer Rithuan Ismail said the report was lodged at the Labuan police station on May 15 following the posting, which had used the photographs of him and LC deputy chairman Simsudin Sidek.

He said the posting, uploaded by a Facebook page known as Suara Labuan, allegedly claimed that LC was involved in a proposal to build a casino on Pulau Papan.

Rithuan firmly denied the allegation, stressing that the local authority has no intention or plan to turn the island into a gambling hub.

“LC has better plans for Pulau Papan as a tourism island, and it does not necessarily need a casino to attract visitors,” he told Bernama today.

He said the viral statement had created a misleading public perception and could tarnish LC’s credibility as the local authority responsible for the island’s development and tourism planning.

Rithuan said Pulau Papan, one of Labuan’s well-known island attractions, has strong potential in sustainable tourism, recreational activities, nature-based products, heritage elements and family-oriented attractions.

He said any proposal for tourism development on the island must be aligned with proper planning, public interest, environmental considerations and existing government policies.

“LC will continue to focus on responsible tourism development that benefits the people and strengthens Labuan’s position as a tourist destination,” he said.

Rithuan also reminded social media users to be responsible when publishing or sharing unverified claims, especially those involving public institutions and development matters.

He said LC would leave the matter to the police for further investigation. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 — An incident involving the accidental swapping of babies at a ward in Tunku Azizah Hospital (HTA) has been resolved, with the babies safely returned to their respective mothers.

HTA director Dr Shamsul Anuar Kamarudin said immediate corrective action was taken once the incident was discovered.

He said the hospital had provided the necessary explanation and support to the families involved, adding that preliminary checks found no breastfeeding or medical procedures that compromised the babies’ safety during the incident.

“HTA understands the public concern after the incident was shared on social media.

“The hospital has taken immediate action in accordance with established procedures while ensuring the safety and welfare of the babies remained the top priority,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Dr Shamsul Anuar said an internal investigation was underway to determine the cause of the incident and improve existing procedures to prevent a recurrence.

He said the hospital would also strengthen its internal control measures to enhance public confidence in its services.

“HTA remains committed to ensuring patient safety is always prioritised and appreciates the cooperation and understanding of all parties,” he said. — Bernama

Maria Medetis Long had expressed doubts over case of John Brennan, whose agency said Russia boosted Trump in 2016

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A federal prosecutor leading the investigation into former CIA director John Brennan is no longer working on the case after expressing reservations about it, according to a person familiar with the matter.

The prosecutor, Maria Medetis Long, informed attorneys involved in the case she was no longer handling it, according to CNN, which first reported she was leaving the case. Medetis Long is a career attorney serving as the chief of the national security division in the US attorney’s office for the southern district of Florida. The Department of Justice did not immediately respond to a request for comment.