SIBU, Sept 20 — A trip to the market turned into a traumatic ordeal for a woman in her 70s after she was tricked into a so-called ‘cleansing ritual’ and lost jewellery and savings worth RM60,794.
Sibu police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili said the incident happened at Sibu Central Market on September 19 when the victim was approached by a woman asking for directions to a Chinese medicine shop.
“Another woman later joined in, enquiring about a place to perform a ritual to ward off misfortune.
“The victim was then persuaded to follow them to a nearby car park and entered a vehicle with three foreign women,” he said in a statement today.
Inside the car, the women convinced the housewife that she was carrying a ‘curse’ that could harm her family unless a special ritual was performed.
Terrified, the victim surrendered her cash and gold items as part of the supposed cleansing process.
She was then handed a black plastic bag and instructed not to open it for a week.
But when her daughter unwrapped the bundle, it contained nothing more than packets of instant noodles, salt, and bottles of mineral water.
Realising she had been duped, the victim lodged a police report.
Zulkipli urged the public, particularly senior citizens, not to be swayed by strangers who exploit fear and superstition.
“Do not give in to such manipulation or hand over valuables under any circumstances. Always verify and report suspicious individuals immediately,” he cautioned.
He advised the public to contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) via 997 or check dubious bank accounts and phone numbers at ccid.rmp.gov.my/semakmule. — The Borneo Post
