MELAKA: A man allegedly stole a woman’s mobile phone before posing as a good Samaritan and demanding RM200 to help her recover it during an incident at Kampung Morten here.
Melaka Tengah OCPD Asst Comm Halim Abas said the suspect, in his 30s, was arrested on Thursday (Sept 3) after police traced the victim through a Threads post that went viral.
He said the post on Tuesday alleged that the man had stolen the woman’s belongings before pretending to help her search for the missing phone.
"After the phone was found, he allegedly demanded RM200 in ‘duit kopi’ as inducement for his help before leaving the scene," he said.
ACP Halim said the victim, a local woman in her 20s, lodged a police report at about 2.06am on Thursday after police asked her to do so.
He said the suspect had 13 previous records, comprising one criminal case and 12 drug-related cases.
“The suspect has been remanded for three days to assist with investigations,” he said.
ACP Halim said the case was being investigated under Section 385 of the Penal Code for putting a person in fear of injury to commit extortion.
The offence carries up to seven years’ imprisonment, a fine, whipping, or any two of these punishments upon conviction.
ACP Halim added that his men were identifying witnesses and obtaining closed-circuit television footage from the area to establish the circumstances of the incident.
“We are also seeking the cooperation of Kampung Morten residents to assist with investigations,” he said.
ACP Halim urged the public to refrain from speculation, making accusations or circulating unverified information while investigations were ongoing.
