KOTA KINABALU: Two men posing as enforcement officers in a bid to extort RM1,500 from a foreign national were foiled by villagers in Penampang near here when they failed to produce their authority cards.
Penampang district police chief Supt Sammy Newton said the two suspects, aged 19 and 28, were arrested after police were alerted by the villagers.
He said the two suspects wore clothing similar to an enforcement agency when they attempted to extort a foreign national who did not produce his passport at Kampung Koidupan Sugud here at about 12.10am on Thursday (Feb 27).
"The two suspects allegedly demanded RM1,500 from the victim as a supposed settlement for the offence.
"However, when asked to show their authority cards, they suddenly tried to flee," he said in a statement on Friday (Aug 28).
He said both suspects were detained by the villagers before being handed over to the police for further action.
Police also seized several pieces of clothing resembling enforcement agency uniforms believed to have been used by the suspects.
"The case is being investigated under Section 384 and Section 170 of the Penal Code for suspected extortion and impersonating a public servant," he said.
Conviction under Section 384 carries imprisonment of up to 10 years, or a fine, or whipping, or any two of these punishments, he added.
Supt Sammy said Section 170 of the Penal Code provides for imprisonment of up to two years, or a fine, or both, if convicted.
He advised the public to remain vigilant against individuals impersonating enforcement officers.
