Broke Malaysian arrested in Batam after armed carjacking

A 41-year-old Malaysian man, Agung Tri Poerbowo, from Melaka, is in custody after allegedly robbing a woman in Batam, Indonesia. According to Petaling Jaya, the suspect arrived in Batam on September 15 for a holiday but overstayed for 10 days as he had no money to return to Malaysia. After spending all his money, he planned to rob someone to get back home, according to Barelang police criminal investigation department head Agung Tri Poerbowo.

The victim, a 48-year-old woman, had just withdrawn cash from an ATM when the suspect approached her and ordered her to drive to a housing area. Using an airsoft pistol and a knife, the suspect forced the woman to transfer money to his bank account. The victim screamed for help, prompting a traffic policeman to chase the suspect, who then rammed the officer before being apprehended.

The policeman sustained minor injuries. The suspect allegedly purchased the airsoft pistol from a security guard for one million rupiah, who has also been arrested for aiding the investigation. Agung Poerbowo stated that the suspect would face charges under Article 365 of the Indonesian Penal Code, carrying a maximum sentence of nine years in prison if found guilty.