Melaka: Police arrested three foreign nationals, comprising an Indonesian married couple and a Chinese citizen, for alleged involvement in pickpocketing activities at the tourist area of Jalan Hang Jebat, or Jonker Walk, on July 4. Acting Melaka Tengah police chief Supt Halim Abas stated that the individuals were apprehended following collaboration between the public and police at around 3 pm the same day.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Indonesian couple, both aged 37, are suspected of participating in several pickpocketing incidents in Melaka. The male suspect is believed to have acted as a lookout to distract victims, while his wife committed the pickpocketing. The Chinese national, aged 27, was not directly involved in the pickpocketing activities but was arrested after attempting to flee with the Indonesian pair during a police inspection.
Police seized various items during the arrest, including two backpacks, two wallets, five mobile phones of various brands, two umbrellas, different pieces of clothing and footwear, as well as cash in both Malaysian and Indonesian currencies, to assist with the investigation. All suspects have been remanded until July 16 to facilitate investigations under Section 380 of the Penal Code.
Halim expressed gratitude to the public for their assistance, which led to the arrests, and advised the community to remain cautious and protect their personal belongings, particularly in tourist areas and crowded locations.
In a separate case, Halim mentioned that police are searching for a man named Azharuddin Ahmad, in his mid-50s, whose last known address is in Kandang. He is wanted to assist with investigations concerning several cases recorded in Tiang Dua and Batu Berendam. Despite numerous attempts to contact him, the individual remains unlocated. The police urge anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact Investigating Officer Sgt. Nuril Anwaar Abdul Halim at the Melaka Tengah District Police Headquarters (IPD) or any nearby police station to aid in the investigation.