Police have detained a 55-year-old Chinese national after he allegedly attempted to steal a passenger’s wallet during a flight from Jakarta, Indonesia, to Penang on Thursday.
Southwest district police chief Assistant Commissioner Anuwal Ab Wahab said the suspect was arrested at Penang International Airport after police received a report from a 36-year-old Indonesian passenger.
He said the victim noticed the suspect removing his bag from the overhead compartment during the flight before opening it and taking his wallet.
“The victim managed to record the incident before alerting the cabin crew. The suspect was subsequently detained to assist in the investigation,” he said in a statement on Thursday night.
Anuwal said all of the victim’s belongings were recovered and no financial loss or damage was reported.
He added that police were conducting further investigations into the incident.
The case is being investigated under Sections 379 and 511 of the Penal Code for attempted theft.

