The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) today denied having issued a media statement on the name list of leaders of secret societies in Malaysia, with the title "Senarai Nama Ketua Kongsi Gelap di Malaysia (Op Cantas 2016)".

Superintendent of the Inspector-General of Police's Corporate Communications Secretariat, Supt N. Venugopal said the media release, purportedly issued by PDRM corporate communication head ACP Datin Asmawati Ahmad, was a hoax.

"The police have never made any public announcement on the list of targets in operations to be conducted.

"This irresponsible act is clearly done by quarters attempting to create anxiety and panic in the society," he said in a statement today.

Venugopal advised members of the public to not be easily deceived into believing or to spread unverified information.