PENAMPANG: Two local men, aged 19 and 28, were arrested for allegedly impersonating enforcement officers and attempting to extort RM1,500 from a foreign man at Kampung Koidupan Sugud, here.
Penampang District Police Chief Supt Sammy Newton said the incident occurred at about 12.10am when the suspects, wearing clothes resembling enforcement agency attire, approached the victim.
“The suspects allegedly asked the victim to produce identification documents before accusing him of committing an offence for failing to produce a passport.
“They also allegedly demanded RM1,500 from the victim to settle the purported offence,” he said in a statement.
Sammy said the suspects attempted to flee when asked to produce their authority cards but were detained by villagers before being handed over to police.
Police later seized several items of clothing resembling enforcement agency uniforms, which were believed to have been worn by the suspects.
The case is being investigated under Section 384 of the Penal Code for alleged extortion and Section 170 for allegedly impersonating a public servant.
Section 384 carries a jail term of up to 10 years, a fine, whipping, or any two of the punishments upon conviction.
Section 170 provides for imprisonment of up to two years, a fine, or both.
Sammy advised the public to remain vigilant when approached by individuals claiming to be enforcement officers and to report any suspicious incidents or behaviour to police immediately.
