A woman in her 70s lost approximately RM317,000 after falling victim to a scam involving traditional healing and a purported ritual to ward off bad luck in the Sibu area.
Sibu district police chief Assistant Commissioner Abang Zainal Abidin Abang Ahmad said the elderly housewife lodged a police report yesterday over the incident, which allegedly took place on 19 July at the Sibu Market area.
He said the victim was initially approached by an unknown woman, believed to be of Chinese nationality based on her accent, who asked where she could find a traditional Chinese medicine shop to obtain medicine for her mother-in-law.
Shortly afterwards, another woman with a similar accent approached the victim and offered to take them to a shop, claiming that it belonged to her relative.
“The victim was then taken in a vehicle, where one of the suspects claimed to be able to read her face and told her that her child would be involved in a serious road accident that day,” he said in a statement.
Abang Zainal Abidin said the suspects then offered to perform a protective ritual and instructed the victim to hand over cash and jewellery as part of the purported ceremony.
Fearing for her child’s safety, the victim believed the claims and handed over her money and valuables. Her total losses were estimated at RM317,000.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
Police have urged the public, particularly those approached by strangers offering traditional treatments or rituals, to remain cautious and avoid handing over cash, jewellery or other valuables.
The authorities also warned the public not to be easily influenced by claims or threats deliberately designed to create fear and anxiety, as such tactics can pressure victims into surrendering their money or valuable possessions.
The case serves as another reminder that scammers may exploit personal fears and cultural beliefs to gain the trust of unsuspecting victims, particularly when claims involve the safety of family members.
