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KUCHING, June 28: A 65-year-old noodle seller at Sibu Central Market fell victim to a scam orchestrated by three so-called ‘shamans’, resulting in a loss of RM231,792.
Following a police report lodged by the victim, Sarawak police commissioner Datuk Mohd Azman Ahmad Sapri revealed that on June 23, the woman was approached by three unknown women who claimed to possess expertise in fortune-telling and predicted that victim would meet with a fatal accident.
“One of the suspects, believed to be of Chinese nationality, along with two locals informed the victim about her impending fatal accident.
“They then convinced her to accompany them to Hardin Sri Menanti in Sibu. Furthermore, the suspects insisted that the victim pay an upfront fee for a prayer session to repel the perceived unfortunate fate,” he said in a statement today.
Fearful of the potential mishap, the victim withdrew a total of RM231,792 from two different bank accounts at separate banks in Sibu through three transactions.
Subsequently, the suspects instructed her to place the entire sum of money into a blue bag.
Additionally, she was asked to pray and hand over the blue bag to one of the suspects.
After the prayer ceremony was completed, the victim was told to return home with the blue bag. The suspect also informed the victim that she could only open the bag after a month’s time.
It was only on June 24 when the victim finally opened the bag that she realised she had been deceived when all her money was missing.
Mohd Azman emphasised the importance of public vigilance and caution when approached by individuals claiming to be shamans who request significant payments or property.
“Don’t be easily affected or believe in harmful superstitions. Do not panic when encountering such situations. Instead, inform your spouse or friend or family member of the situation to seek alternative opinions or advice,” he advised. — DayakDaily
