Inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar has urged all quarters not to speculate on the case involving pastor Raymond Koh Keng Joo, who was abducted by a group of masked men on Feb 13 in Petaling Jaya.

Speaking to Malaysiakini, the police chief said there has been much speculation on this case, with some claiming that it is related to religious misunderstandings.

"I wish to advise all Malaysians to refrain from making unwarranted claims on this case which can cause discord even before the motive has been established. I have been informed of such messages circulating on social media.

"As mentioned before, we have formed a task force to trace the whereabouts of the pastor. Our personnel are working hard to solve this case," he added.

Khalid said he could understand the frustration of the pastor's loved ones and friends, but at the same time stressed that the police needed time to work on the leads.

"I know they are worried for his safety and due to frustration, they feel the police are not doing enough. But they must also understand the constraints we face in terms of leads and so forth.

"We are doing our best," he added.

Koh, 62, was at the centre of controversy in 2011 after his NGO, Harapan Komuniti, was accused by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) of proselytising Muslims, following a raid at a thanksgiving and fundraising dinner at the Damansara Utama Methodist Church.

According to a friend, he had previously also received a death threat in the form of a bullet sent to his home.

His family is offering a RM100,000 reward for information on his whereabouts.