PENAMPANG: Two individuals were arrested after they were believed to have impersonated law enforcement officers and extorted money from foreigners.
The two men, aged 19 and 28, were reported to have committed the crime in Kampung Koidupan Sugud, here, at 12.10 midnight, yesterday.
Penampang District Police Chief, Superintendent Sammy Newton said that, based on initial investigations, both suspects were found to be wearing clothing resembling enforcement agency uniforms.
He said the suspect reportedly asked the victim to show his identification documents before accusing the victim of committing an offence for failing to produce his passport.
“Both suspects are believed to have asked for a payment of RM1,500 from the victim to settle the offence.
“However, when the suspects were asked to show their authority cards, both suspects fled before being chased by villagers,” he said in a media statement yesterday.
According to him, both suspects were successfully detained by villagers before being handed over to the police.
He said the police also managed to seize several pieces of clothing resembling the uniforms of the relevant enforcement agencies worn by the suspects.
“Further investigations are being conducted under Section 384 of the Penal Code and Section 170 of the Penal Code on suspicion of extortion and impersonating a civil servant.
“If convicted, the offender can be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison or a fine or whipping or any two of these punishments,” he said.
In this regard, Sammy advised the public to always be vigilant against individuals posing as enforcement officers.
He said that any suspicious incidents or behavior should be reported immediately to the police for immediate action. – Fardy Bungga
Both suspects were successfully detained by villagers before being handed over to the police.
