Cash ‘vanishes’ mid-air: Cops hunt foreign national after RM60,000 goes missing from passenger’s backpack on KL-Penang flight

PENANG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, 25 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 25 — South‑west district police are searching for a foreign national suspected of stealing RM60,000 in cash from a 54‑year‑old Malaysian passenger on a Kuala Lumpur‑to‑Penang flight that landed at Penang International Airport on Thursday, police said.

Police have begun cross‑checking the airline’s passenger manifest and reviewing closed‑circuit television (CCTV) recordings from the airport and the aircraft cabin to trace the movements of the suspected individual, Anuwal said. The investigation is being conducted under Section 379 of the Penal Code, which deals with theft.

The case follows a similar incident reported in the same district a week earlier. On Sept 17, police received a report of an attempted theft aboard an incoming flight to Penang. A 55‑year‑old Chinese national was arrested in connection with that episode and, on the day of the latest report, was charged at the Balik Pulau Magistrates’ Court under Section 379 read together with Section 511 of the Penal Code, which covers criminal intimidation.

Anuwal urged passengers to remain vigilant, stressing that cash and other valuables should be kept secure and within constant sight while using public transport, including during air travel. He also asked the public not to speculate about the ongoing investigation, warning that speculation could interfere with police work.

The police’s focus on the passenger manifest and CCTV footage reflects standard procedure for incidents that occur in the confined environment of an aircraft cabin. By analysing the manifest, investigators can narrow down the pool of potential suspects to those who were on board the same flight.

CCTV footage from the airport terminal and, where available, from the aircraft’s interior cameras can provide visual confirmation of any suspicious behaviour, such as a passenger moving repeatedly between seats or handling another passenger’s luggage without permission.

Under Malaysian law, Section 379 of the Penal Code defines theft as the dishonest taking of any movable property out of the possession of another person without consent and with the intention of permanently depriving the owner of it. The charge carries a maximum penalty of up to seven years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both.

Section 511, which was also invoked in the earlier case involving the Chinese national, deals with criminal intimidation and can result in imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both.

The two incidents, occurring within a ten‑day span, have prompted the southwest district police to highlight the importance of personal security on flights arriving in Penang. While the airline has not issued a comment, the police’s public appeal underscores the broader concern that passengers may be vulnerable to opportunistic thefts in the cramped, often unattended spaces of aircraft cabins and airport lounges.

The victim, who chose not to be named, reported the loss to police immediately after disembarking. He said the cash, amounting to RM60,000, had been placed in his backpack before boarding the flight in Kuala Lumpur. No other items were reported missing, and the victim did not indicate whether the cash was intended for personal use or business purposes.

Police have not disclosed the nationality of the suspected foreign passenger, nor have they released any description or identifying details beyond the fact that the individual was on the same flight. Anuwal said investigators are “checking the passenger list and reviewing closed‑circuit television footage to trace the movements of the individual,” and that they are working to “identify and locate the suspect.” No arrests have been reported as of the time of this statement.

The incident arrives at a time when Malaysia’s tourism sector is experiencing a rebound, with increasing numbers of foreign visitors arriving by air. While the source does not provide broader economic data, the theft of a large sum of cash on a domestic flight could raise concerns among travelers about the safety of carrying substantial amounts of money in transit.

The police’s advisory to keep cash and valuables secure aligns with standard travel safety recommendations and may influence passenger behaviour on future flights.

The southwest district police’s appeal for information and their call for the public to refrain from speculation reflect an effort to preserve the integrity of the investigation. By limiting public commentary, police aim to prevent the spread of rumors that could compromise evidence or hinder the identification of the suspect.

As the investigation proceeds, the focus will remain on analysing the passenger manifest, scrutinising CCTV footage, and interviewing witnesses who may have observed unusual activity during the flight. The outcome of the case will depend on the ability of investigators to match visual evidence with the manifest and to locate the individual suspected of the alleged theft.

Police have not set a timeline for when they expect to make an arrest, but they indicated that the case is being treated with priority given the sizeable amount involved.

Related: Southwest District Police · Penang International Airport