Penang police hunt foreign suspect in RM60,000 mid-air theft
Penang police are tracking a foreign national suspected of stealing RM60,000 in cash from a passenger’s backpack during a Kuala Lumpur-to-Penang flight, marking the second such incident in the district within seven days.
Source: The Star · September 25, 2026 at 10:25 AM · AI-assisted report
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BALIK PULAU, 25 SEPTEMBER 2026 —
Penang police are tracking a foreign national suspected of stealing RM60,000 in cash from a passenger’s backpack during a Kuala Lumpur-to-Penang flight, marking the second such incident in the district within seven days.
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Assistant Commissioner Anuwal Ab Wahab, head of the Balik Pulau OCPD, said the victim—a 54-year-old man—discovered the theft upon landing at Penang International Airport on Thursday (Sept 24). He reported the cash missing from his backpack, with suspicions falling on a fellow passenger, described as a foreign national, who was also on the flight.
“Investigators have obtained passenger manifests and are examining CCTV footage to trace the suspect’s movements,” Anuwal said in a statement on Friday (Sept 25). “Efforts to locate the individual are ongoing, and the case is being investigated under Section 379 of the Penal Code for theft.”
The incident follows a separate attempted theft reported on Sept 17, where a 55-year-old Chinese national was arrested and charged today at Balik Pulau Magistrate’s Court. The suspect is accused under Section 379 read with Section 511 of the Penal Code for attempting to commit an offence punishable by imprisonment.
Anuwal warned passengers to remain vigilant, emphasising the need to keep valuables secure during flights. “Public transport users must ensure personal belongings, especially cash and high-value items, are kept under constant supervision,” he advised, cautioning against public speculation that could impede the investigation.
The surge in in-flight thefts underscores broader security concerns in aviation. While no airline has been identified, the cases reflect a growing trend of opportunistic thefts during flights, prompting calls for heightened passenger awareness. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as investigations proceed.
Related: Penang International Airport · Anuwal Ab Wahab · Balik Pulau