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SARIKEI - Angered after failing to withdraw cash from an automated teller machine (ATM), a man vandalised five banking machines using a machete before allegedly injuring a young man who tried to stop him in an incident on Jalan Masjid Lama, near here, on Sunday.
Sarikei district police chief Supt Aswandy Anis said the 38-year-old suspect is believed to have damaged two ATM machines, two cash deposit machines (CDM), and one cheque deposit machine at a bank around 12.05 am.
He said the initial investigation found that the suspect acted this way due to dissatisfaction after failing to withdraw money from the ATM, and also admitted to being intoxicated at the time of the incident.
"After the incident, the suspect is believed to have fled by driving a Toyota Hilux against the flow of traffic before crashing into a road divider on Jalan Masjid Lama," he said in a statement.
Aswandy said that at a nearby location, a 21-year-old man sustained severe injuries to his left hand after allegedly being struck with a machete by the suspect while attempting to stop him.
He said the victim was then taken to Sarikei Hospital for further treatment.
"The suspect then surrendered at the Sarikei police station and the police also seized a Toyota Hilux and a machete believed to have been used in the incident," he said.
According to him, the urine screening test found the suspect positive for the drugs, ketamine and benzodiazepine, while a check revealed that the man had no previous criminal record.
The case is being investigated under Section 427 and Section 326 of the Penal Code, Section 45(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, and Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. - BERNAMA
