GEORGE TOWN: Police are tracking down a foreign national suspected of stealing RM60,000 in cash from a Malaysian passenger during a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Penang on Thursday.
Southwest district police chief Assistant Commissioner Anuwal Ab Wahab said police received a report from the 54-year-old victim on the same day.
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He said the man discovered that the cash, which he had kept in his backpack, was missing after arriving at Penang International Airport.
According to Anuwal, the victim suspected that a foreign passenger who had travelled on the same flight could have been involved.
“Police are examining the passenger manifest and reviewing closed-circuit television (CCTV) recordings to establish the suspect’s movements,” he said in a statement today.
He said investigations were ongoing to identify and locate the individual, with the case being investigated under Section 379 of the Penal Code for theft.
The incident comes amid another reported case involving an alleged attempt to steal from a passenger on a flight arriving in Penang.
Anuwal said police received a report on Sept 17 concerning an alleged attempted theft aboard an aircraft after it landed in the state.
A 55-year-old Chinese national who was arrested in connection with that case was charged at the Balik Pulau Magistrates’ Court today under Section 379 of the Penal Code, read with Section 511.
Meanwhile, Anuwal advised air passengers and other members of the public to remain vigilant and ensure their cash and valuables are kept securely and within sight when using public transport.
He also urged the public to refrain from speculation that could potentially disrupt or interfere with the ongoing investigation.
