RANAU: An Indonesian illegal immigrant has been remanded for four days to assist police investigations into a suspected break-in and theft at a church in Kundasang.
The remand order was granted by the Ranau Magistrate’s Court following an application by investigators from the Ranau District Police Headquarters (IPD Ranau).
According to the investigation papers, the case stems from a report lodged by a local farmer after he discovered signs of a break-in at the Seventh-day Adventist Church along Jalan Ranau-Tamparuli in Kundasang.
The complainant reported that upon arriving at the church premises on May 23, he found damage to the rear entrance of the building and discovered that several items belonging to the church were missing.
Among the items reported stolen were a Yamaha keyboard, a BNB model public address (PA) system and a projector. Preliminary estimates placed the losses at approximately RM5,000.
Following investigations, police detained a 29-year-old Indonesian man during an operation conducted in the Kundasang area on June 21.
Police are also investigating the suspect for allegedly being in Malaysia without valid travel documents.
Investigators informed the court that additional time was required to complete several aspects of the investigation, including recording statements, obtaining fingerprints and photographs, and carrying out further intelligence-related inquiries.
The court subsequently granted a four-day remand beginning June 22 to facilitate the ongoing investigation.
The case is being investigated under Section 457 of the Penal Code for lurking house-trespass or house-breaking by night with intent to commit an offence, while authorities continue gathering evidence to determine the suspect’s alleged involvement in the reported theft.
Police have reminded the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, particularly involving vacant premises, places of worship and public facilities, to help prevent property crimes within the community.
