A senior citizen has been cheated out of RM15,000 by foreigners claiming to be bomohs (shamans) in Miri, Sarawak.
According to a Facebook post by the Miri District Police, the Malaysian woman, who is in her 60s, was approached by three women at around 8 AM on Wednesday (4 March), at the Krokop Central Market, where she had gone to buy vegetables.
This image is for illustration purposes only.
The deception
The police stated, “The victim was approached by a foreign woman who asked where she could buy red ginger, supposedly to treat her husband. Shortly after, two more women approached the victim before inviting her to chat in a car parked behind the market, using the excuse that the weather was hot.”
Once inside the car, one of the suspects told the victim that her home’s Feng Shui was poor and that “evil forces” were present, which could bring disaster to her and her family. The suspects claimed that a healing ritual was necessary and instructed the victim to provide a handful of rice, gold jewellery, and cash.
The ‘ritual’ and subsequent theft
Believing their claims, the victim took the suspects to her home and handed over the rice, gold, and cash, estimated to be worth RM15,000. The suspects placed the items in a bag and claimed it had been “bewitched,” warning her that it must not be opened for three days.
Three days later, on Friday (6 March), the victim opened the bag only to find salt, two small bottles of mineral water, and a packet of tissues.
Police advice and investigation
This image is for illustration purposes only.
The Miri District Police Chief, ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Bin Abdullah, has since advised the public to remain vigilant and not to easily trust individuals claiming to possess supernatural powers or offering rituals to change one’s fate for a fee.
The public is also urged never to hand over money or valuables to strangers.
The case is currently being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. If convicted, the perpetrators face a prison sentence of between one and ten years, as well as the possibility of whipping and a fine.
What do you think about this? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.
Also read: Miri Woman Narrowly Escapes Death as Police Pull Her from Burning Car While She was Asleep Inside
