By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 9: A 59-year-old local woman lost RM145,247 after being allegedly duped by a suspect who offered her company a subcontract for a project in Ranau, Sabah.
According to Kuching district police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu, the victim was introduced to the suspect by an acquaintance at the end of December 2025.
“The suspect allegedly presented themselves as someone with connections and authority to arrange work for a construction and electrical wiring company in Sabah. The suspect also claimed that the company had been awarded a project under Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB).
“The suspect then offered the project as a subcontract to the victim’s company, specifically for work in the Ranau area, and requested several payments purportedly for locking fees, equipment rental, workers’ salaries, mobilisation, and site expenses,” he said.
Following this, the victim made five payment transactions between Jan 2 and Jan 14, 2026, into four different accounts, totalling RM145,247.
The victim filed a report on Aug 8.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and dishonestly inducing a person to deliver property. Upon conviction, the offence carries a jail term of between one and 10 years, whipping and a possible fine.
Meanwhile, police advised the public not to believe job offers promising easy, lucrative returns. They also urged people to check suspicious accounts or telephone numbers through the official Semak Mule portal.
Those who realise they have been scammed and suffered losses may lodge a complaint with the NSRC hotline at 997 within 24 hours.
Suspicious activities can also be reported to the Sarawak Commercial Crime Investigation Department via hotline calls, messages or WhatsApp at 011-62890089 or kjsjkswk@rmp.gov.my. — DayakDaily
