Police detain Chinese national after alleged theft attempt on Jakarta-Penang flight

GEORGE TOWN, Sept 18 — Police have apprehended a Chinese national on suspicion of attempting to steal a passenger's wallet during a flight from Jakarta, Indonesia, to Penang, Malaysia, on September 17. According to Southwest district police chief ACP Anuwal Ab Wahab, the 55-year-old suspect was arrested at Penang International Airport following a report made by a 36-year-old Indonesian man.

The Indonesian man observed the suspect removing his bag from the overhead compartment, opening it, and taking his wallet while the aircraft was in flight. Before alerting the cabin crew, the victim managed to record the incident. The suspect was subsequently detained to aid in the investigation, and all of the victim's belongings were recovered, with no reported loss or financial damage.

Further investigations are ongoing, and the case falls under Sections 379 and 511 of the Penal Code for attempted theft.