KUCHING, Oct 4: A farmer from Kuching was duped of RM170,000 after being approached by three unknown individuals who pretended to be interested in renting a portion of his farm land for the construction of a telecommunications tower.
Sarawak Commissioner of Police Dato Mohd Azman Ahmad Sapri revealed that the victim, a man in his late 60s, was approached by two men and one woman in mid-September who initially proposed to lease a portion of his farm land located at Mile 15 Kota Samarahan here.
The farmer, cautious about the proposal, declined it, stating his need to discuss the matter with his family members first.
Subsequently, in late September, the three individuals returned to the farm to resume negotiations with the victim. After further discussions, the farmer eventually agreed to rent out his land to them.
“A few days ago, the three suspects brought the victim and his wife, using a white Perodua Myvi car to the city, with the pretext of facilitating the payment of rental fees to the victim.
“However, the couple was manipulated into withdrawing about RM170,000 from their ASB accounts from several banks in Kuching City, claiming it as a prerequisite for rental agreement.
“The cash was handed over to the suspects while they were inside the car,” Mohd Azman said in a statement today.
The farmer and his wife only became aware of the deception when they were abandoned by the three suspects near a bank on Jalan Simpang Tiga.
They subsequently reported the incident to the police, urging them to conduct a thorough investigation.
Mohd Azman added that the case is being probed under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which pertains to cheating and dishonestly inducing the delivery of property. Conviction under this section can result in imprisonment for a term not less than one year and not exceeding 10 years, in addition to whipping and fines. — DayakDaily
