M’sian Man Allegedly Robs Woman of RM73K in Batam to Fund Trip Home After Running Out of Holiday Money

A 41-year-old Malaysian man from Melaka was arrested in Batam, Indonesia, after allegedly robbing a woman and stealing her car and valuables worth around IDR292,000,000 (~RM73,000) on 6 November.

The suspect reportedly threatened the 48-year-old victim with an airsoft gun and a knife before making off with her Toyota Rush and other belongings.

Malaysian man allegedly robs Indonesian woman after running out of money to return home

According to Barelang Police Criminal Investigation Unit Chief Commissioner Agung Tri Poerbowo, the suspect had initially travelled to Indonesia for a holiday on 15 September but allegedly ran out of money during his stay.

Agung added that the suspect had overstayed by 10 days as he could not afford his journey back to Malaysia, Berita Harian reported.

“He initially came to Indonesia for a holiday but ran out of money. The suspect then planned to rob someone to get enough money to return home, randomly choosing a victim,” he said.

During the incident, the victim had just finished paying her vehicle tax at the Samsat counter in Harbour Bay before stopping at an ATM to withdraw some cash.

However, as she was making her way back to her car, the suspect allegedly got into the passenger seat and forced her to drive towards Bukit Senyum.

Upon reaching an area outside a residential neighbourhood, the suspect allegedly pulled out an airsoft gun and a knife before threatening the victim and forcing her to transfer money into his bank account.

The victim then screamed for help, causing the suspect to panic. He allegedly pushed her out of the car before fleeing with her vehicle and belongings.

The suspect also rammed into a police officer

The suspect’s attempt to flee was eventually stopped when a traffic police officer heard the victim screaming for help and chased after the stolen Toyota Rush.

However, Agung said the suspect also pointed his airsoft gun at the officer and rammed into him, leaving him injured before he was eventually apprehended.

Further investigations revealed that the suspect had purchased the airsoft gun from an apartment security guard for IDR1,000,000 (~RM225). The guard was also arrested and questioned over his alleged involvement in supplying the weapon.

Police also seized the stolen Toyota Rush, IDR1,000,000 (~RM225) in cash, a bag, the airsoft gun with five carbon dioxide (CO2) cartridges, and a knife.

The suspect faces charges under Article 365 of Indonesia’s Criminal Code for theft involving violence, which carries a maximum prison sentence of nine years.

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