The man, in his 30s, is said to have falsely claimed that he was robbed by two men so that he could win sympathy from his wife and stop her from going ahead with the divorce.

Kota Belud district police chief Sahimi Husin said the man filed the report at 9pm yesterday, claiming two men had mugged him besides making off with his motorcycle in Kampung Pirasan.

He said after investigating, police became suspicious of his story. On further questioning, the man confessed he had made a false report.

“The suspect then led police to a location where he had hidden his motorcycle. He said he did it to save his marriage,” he said, when contacted.

Sahimi said the man, who had been detained, also tested positive for methamphetamine after a urine test.

The suspect could now be looking at charges under Section 182 of the Penal Code for lodging a false report as well as the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 for drug use.

Sahimi issued a stern warning to the public that lodging a fake report was a serious matter and police will not compromise in taking action against those responsible for such acts.