M’sian Man Goes On Rampage After Failing To Withdraw Cash, Smashes 5 Banking Machines & Injures 1 Bystander

A man went on a destructive spree, smashing multiple banking machines with a machete and slashing a member of the public in Jalan Masjid Lama, Sarikei.

According to a statement on Facebook by Polis Sarakei, the incident unfolded around 12:05 midnight, where a 38-year-old suspect reportedly flew into a rage after failing to withdraw cash from an automated teller machine (ATM).

Smashes 5 banking machines with a machete & drives Hilux against traffic

According to Sarikei Police District Chief Superintendent Aswandy Anis, the suspect’s rampage caused severe damage to five banking machines at a Hong Leong Bank branch in the area as reported by Harian Metro.

“Initial investigations found that the suspect acted out of dissatisfaction after failing to withdraw money from the ATM, in addition to admitting that he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident,” he said in an statement.

The suspect used a machete to vandalise two ATMs, two cash deposit machines (CDMs), and one cheque deposit machine.

Not stopping there, the suspect fled the scene by driving a Toyota Hilux four-wheel-drive vehicle against the flow of traffic before crashing into a road divider on Jalan Masjid Lama.

A 21-year-old man who attempted to stop the suspect suffered severe injuries to his left hand after being slashed with a machete.

The victim was rushed to Sarikei Hospital for further medical treatment. Following the rampage, the suspect turned himself in at the Sarikei Police Station. Police also seized the Toyota Hilux and the machete believed to have been used in the attack.

Urine test: Positive for 2 types of drugs

Checks revealed that the suspect had no prior criminal record, but a urine screening test confirmed he was positive for Ketamine and Benzodiazepine.

The case is currently being investigated under several legal provisions:

• Section 427 of the Penal Code for committing mischief causing damage
• Section 326 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing grievous hurt using a dangerous weapon
   
• Section 45(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 for drug self-administration

Police have advised the public to always prioritise personal safety and avoid taking matters into their own hands when facing armed individuals or dangerous situations.

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