Indonesian couple, Chinese man held over alleged pickpocketing at Melaka’s Jonker Walk

MELAKA, July 8 — 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 said the Indonesian couple, both aged 37, and a 27-year-old Chinese man, were arrested at about 3 pm the same day following cooperation between the public and police.

He said preliminary investigations found that the Indonesian couple is believed to be involved in several pickpocketing cases in Melaka.

The man is believed to act as a lookout to distract the victim, while his wife does the pickpocketing, he said in a statement yesterday.

As for the Chinese national, Halim said the man, who arrived in the state last Friday,  was not involved in the pickpocketing activities, but was arrested after attempting to flee alongside the Indonesian pair during a police inspection.

“Police also seized two backpacks, two wallets, five mobile phones of various brands, two umbrellas, various items 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,” he said.

Halim expressed appreciation to the public for providing the information that led to the arrests and advised the community to remain vigilant and safeguard their personal belongings, especially in tourist hotspots and crowded areas.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, Halim said police are looking for a man, identified as Azharuddin Ahmad, in his mid-50s and whose last known address is in Kandang, to assist the police investigation over some cases recorded in Tiang Dua and Batu Berendam.

He said the individual could not be located despite several attempts to contact him, and urged members of the public 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 assist with the investigation. — Bernama