The police today warned of the circulation of fake new RM100 notes in the city following three reports made on the matter, including one by a bank.

Miri police chief ACP Mun Kock Keong said the two other reports were made by individuals who also found the notes to be fake due to the poor paper quality and lack of security features.

"Based on our initial investigation, all the three fake notes have the sameserial number, AA7825588," he told a news conference, here.

Mun warned members of the public to be extra cautious when receiving new RM100 notes.

"They can check the quality of the paper by touching it because the new notes will not wrinkle easily compared to poor quality paper. If unsure, please refer to the nearest Bank Negara office," he said.

On another matter, he said police were looking for the owner of a Proton Perdana car to assist in the investigation into the death of one Abdul Harris Zainal, 22, in the wee hours of New Year's Day.

"We believe it was a hit-and-run case," he said, clarifying reports in the local media that Abdul Harris was assaulted by a gang at a commercial centre here.

"Based on the reports of eyewitnesses, the vehicle hit the victim. We are now investigating whether it was on purpose or accidentally," he said.

He advised the local media to verify with him before publishing any news relating to crime as stories based on speculation would create unrest in the community.

"Miri City is one of the centres of tourist arrivals in Sarawak. If these type of stories come out, they will certainly affect the city's image because they are not accurate at all," he said.