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POLICE are probing two separate fraudulent tender schemes that have cost victims a combined RM245,595 after they were deceived into paying for contracts that did not exist.
In Kulai, Johor, a 32-year-old company manager lost RM137,600 after being offered what was purportedly a tender to supply electrical generator machines to the Industrial Training Institute in Tangkak.
Kulai District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Tan Seng Lee said police received a report from the woman yesterday.
“The victim agreed to purchase six units of portable generator machines and four battery units with a total value of RM137,600.
“Attracted by the offer, the victim made three payment transactions into a local bank account between 10 and 13 February,” he said in a media statement today.
Tan said the victim later contacted the institute to verify the tender.
“However, checks revealed that no tender had been issued for the supply of the generator machines and electrical cables in question.
“Realising she had been deceived, the victim lodged a police report for further action, and the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code,” he said.
In a separate case in Besut, Terengganu, a 47-year-old contractor reported losing RM107,995 after being misled by an individual who claimed to be offering a tender to supply generator machines for use by the Besut District Education Office.
Besut District Police Chief Superintendent Mohd Rozaime Ab Rahim said the victim agreed to purchase five portable generator units worth RM107,995.
“He made five payment transactions into an account belonging to a local company from 10 February to 12 February. However, after contacting the Besut District Education Office for confirmation, he was informed that no such tender had been offered.
“Accordingly, a police report was lodged and investigations are being carried out under Section 420 of the Penal Code, namely cheating in relation to non-existent project tender offers. If convicted, the offender may face imprisonment of between one and 10 years, as well as whipping and a fine,” he said in a statement today.
Police have urged the public to remain vigilant and not to be easily persuaded by tender or project offers without official verification from the relevant authorities. They also advised individuals to use the channels provided by the Commercial Crime Investigation Department, including the National Scam Response Centre, to avoid falling victim to fraud. - February 17, 2026