Police are actively tracking down a suspect believed to be involved in a break-in at a homestay unit in Kota Syahbandar, Melaka, following a case that recently gained attention on social media.
Acting Melaka Tengah Police Chief Superintendent Halim Abas said authorities became aware of a viral online post regarding the incident, which allegedly resulted in the loss of cash, mobile phones and personal identification documents belonging to the victims.
According to him, a police report was lodged on 17 June and investigations are currently being carried out under Section 457 of the Penal Code for housebreaking.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the incident is believed to have occurred between 4pm and 6pm while the complainant and family members were spending time at the apartment’s swimming pool area.
Police inspections found no signs of forced entry or tampering at the main door of the unit. However, investigators believe the suspect may have entered through a refuse disposal access door before gaining entry into the kitchen, which was reportedly left unlocked.
The case first surfaced after a woman claimed on Threads that her sister’s family had fallen victim to a burglary while staying at a homestay in Melaka. She alleged that the family lost approximately RM1,000 in cash along with several smartphones during the incident.
The woman also uploaded photographs of an individual she suspected was linked to the break-in. She further suggested that the crime may have involved someone with access to, or knowledge of, the condominium’s layout and security arrangements.
Halim said CCTV footage from the building has so far failed to identify the suspect as surveillance cameras were only installed in lift areas. Investigators believe the perpetrator may have used the stairways to move in and out of the building without attracting attention.
Addressing claims circulating on social media that a person captured on lift CCTV footage was responsible for the crime, Halim said police have yet to verify the allegation.
“Further examination of the footage did not show the individual carrying any of the items reported missing, and his identity has not been confirmed as the suspect,” he said.
He urged the public to refrain from making speculation or spreading unverified information online, warning that such actions could interfere with ongoing investigations.
Police said efforts to locate the suspect are being carried out by the Criminal Investigation Department and Intelligence Operations Detectives of the Melaka Tengah District Police Headquarters.
Authorities are also attempting to trace the location of the stolen mobile phones, although both devices have reportedly remained switched off since the day of the incident.
Members of the public with information related to the case are urged to contact the investigating officer or visit the nearest police station to assist with investigations.
