Veteran newsman A Kadir Jasin has cautioned against speculating about the arrest of fugitive businessperson Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low.

He said any misinformation could affect covert operations to bring him back to stand trial for the alleged multi-billion ringgit theft at state-owned 1MDB.

"Many of us want Jho Low to be brought back to face the law. But do not give false hope through the spread of inaccurate information that will disappoint all of us.

"Sometimes, the spread of unverified information and fake news could hurt covert operations such as tracking, arresting and repatriation of the fugitive Jho Low," he said in a blog posting today.

Kadir (photo), who is the prime minister's special media adviser, was writing in his personal capacity.

Yesterday, a message was circulated on social media claiming that China authorities had arrested Low and that he would be brought back by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF).

However, Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador, when asked to verify the claim, said the message was "incorrect".

"We are working towards that end, but nothing has been finalised as yet. That message is incorrect," he said.

Previously, Hamid had expressed confidence that police will be able to apprehend Low soon.

The US Department of Justice believes at least US$4.5 billion was misappropriated from 1MDB and Low is accused of masterminding the illegal transactions which siphoned money from the state fund.

The Penang-born businessperson was charged in both the US and Malaysia, but has refused to return to Malaysia claiming that he will not get a fair trial. 

Former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak is already standing trial for 42 charges of criminal breach of trust, money-laundering and abuse of power in relation to the 1MDB scandal.