GEORGE TOWN: A married couple has been arrested for allegedly plotting to extort a 57-year-old man at the Taman Manggis People's Housing Project (PPR).
George Town OCPD Asst Comm Abdul Rozak Muhammad said the husband and wife were detained on Wednesday (Nov 4), after the alleged victim lodged a report at 1.15am.
"The victim said he was chased and attacked with a machete by two male suspects after picking up the woman at the PPR," ACP Rozak said in a statement on Thursday (Nov 5).
He said police are still tracking a third suspect, a 26-year-old local man believed to be related to the couple.
He said the incident occurred when the victim picked up the 39-year-old woman, whom he had recently befriended through WhatsApp, at the PPR.
"The victim was then allegedly chased by two men, who he claimed attacked him with a machete and assaulted him.
"The suspects continued pursuing his car until he lost control and crashed into a wall at the junction of Jalan Pangkor," he said.
ACP Rozak said initial investigations indicated that the incident was believed to be part of an extortion plot allegedly orchestrated by the woman, together with her husband and a relative.
Police arrested the woman and her 30-year-old husband, while efforts were underway to locate the third suspect, he added.
Both suspects have been remanded for three days until Saturday (Nov 7) to facilitate investigations.
The case is being investigated under Sections 324 (voluntarily causing hurt with dangerous weapons or means) and 427 (mischief resulting in property damage or loss) of the Penal Code.
