KOTA TINGGI, Oct 3 — Police are investigating the theft of two paintings that were publicly displayed at the Johor History Gallery within the Tourism Information Centre (TIC) in Kota Tinggi.
Kota Tinggi police chief Superintendent Yusof Othman said a report was lodged by a local trader on Tuesday after the artwork, which depicted the Kota Tinggi Waterfall and its surrounding flora, was discovered missing.
“The two paintings, measuring approximately 42cm by 60cm, are valued at a total of RM1,000,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Yusof said the investigation is hampered by a lack of visual leads, as the gallery is not equipped with closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras.
The case is being investigated under Section 380 of the Penal Code for theft within a building.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Mohd Saiful Said, at 018-7637969 or the Kota Tinggi district police hotline at 07-8831222.
Separately, TIC manager Nur Farhana Zakaria also appealed to the public to report any individuals seen selling paintings that match the description of the stolen artwork.
Nur Farhana had earlier voiced her frustration on Facebook, describing the theft as a shameful and irresponsible act.
