MELAKA: A man supposedly stole a woman’s mobile phone before posing as a Good Samaritan who subsequently asked for RM200 in order to help her recover it in an incident at Kampung Morten here.
Melaka Tengah OCPD Asst Comm Halim Abas said the suspect, in his 30s, was arrested yesterday 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 as a ‘reward’ for his help, before leaving the scene,” he said.
ACP Halim said the victim, a local woman in her 20s, had lodged a police report at 2.06am yesterday after police advised 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,” ACP Halim said.
The case is being investigated under Section 385 of the Penal Code for putting a person in fear of injury in order 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 are identifying witnesses and obtaining CCTV footage from the area to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“We are also seeking the cooperation of Kampung Morten residents to assist with investigations,” he said.
ACP Halim also urged the public to refrain from speculating on or sharing unverified information regarding the case while investigations are ongoing.
