KUCHING: A cleaner has been arrested for allegedly taking RM1,200 from an elderly man while pretending to assist him with an ATM transaction at a bank in Stutong on Mar 30.
Acting Kuching police chief Supt Merbin Lisa said they received a police report regarding the incident last Wednesday (Apr 2).
The incident happened at around 8.30 am when the 75-year-old victim was approached by the 41-year-old suspect at around 8.30 am while attempting to withdraw cash.
“After the victim inserted his ATM card and entered his PIN, the suspect had keyed in a withdrawal amount of RM1,500.
“He then took the cash, handed only RM300 to the victim and fled with the remaining RM1,200,” he said in a statement.
Two days later (Apr 4), a team from the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) D4 branch arrested the suspect at 1.55 pm and seized several case-related items in Kenyalang Park.
Initial questioning revealed the suspect, who tested negative for drugs and has 10 prior criminal records, had confessed to the crime.
He has been remanded for three days until Apr 8 to assist in further investigations, including to determine if he is linked to other cases.
The case is being investigated under Section 379 of the Penal Code, which carries a penalty of up to seven years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both.
Merbin advised the public, particularly the elderly, to stay vigilant when withdrawing money at ATMs or conducting banking transactions.
“If necessary, they should be accompanied by family members to ensure their safety and avoid falling victim to crime or scams by irresponsible individuals,” he said.
