Housewife in her 70s tricked by ritual scam in Sibu, police confirm RM317,000 losses

An elderly housewife, in her 70s, lost RM317,000 after being duped by a scam syndicate in Sibu. According to Sibu police chief ACP Abang Zainal Abidin Abang Ahmad, the victim was approached by two women with Chinese accents, one claiming to be seeking directions to a traditional medicine shop. The second woman then offered to take the victim to a shop allegedly owned by a relative.

Upon arriving at the shop, one of the suspects claimed she could read the victim's face and warned that her child would be involved in a serious road accident that day. The women then allegedly offered a protection ritual in exchange for cash and jewellery. The victim, fearing for her child's safety, handed over the valuables, resulting in a total loss of RM317,000.

The case is currently under investigation for cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code. Authorities advise the public to avoid trusting strangers offering traditional treatments or rituals in exchange for money or jewelry, and to remain cautious of claims or threats designed to cause fear and anxiety.