20-05-2025
Man arrested for unauthorised RM100,000 transfer from family members' accounts in Tuaran
Noraidin
TUARAN (May 20): A man was arrested by the Tuaran District Police Commercial Crime Investigation Division when he was found involved in an unauthorised financial transaction involving two of his family members.
Tuaran District Police Chief Superintendent Noraidin Ag Maidin said the suspect, a 34-year-old local, was arrested around 6.30pm on May 16 following a complaint from the victims.
'Investigations found that on November 20, 2024, the suspect transferred RM100,000 from his in-law's bank account into his mother's bank account without their knowledge or consent.
'The suspect then withdrew the money using his mother's ATM card which was in his possession without his mother's consent,' said Noraidin.
The suspect was charged at the Kota Kinabalu Sessions Court under Section 424C(2) of the Penal Code, for unlawful use of another person's payment instrument or account at a financial institution.
The sentence carries a jail term of not less than three years and not exceeding 10 years or a fine of not less than ten thousand ringgit but not exceeding one million ringgit, or both.
Noraidin said the suspect is the first individual in Sabah to be charged under this section after it was introduced through an amendment Act 574 and approved by the Malaysian Parliament in July 2024, and came into effect on October 30, 2024.
'Section 424C(2) provides for punishment for individuals involved in transactions using payment instruments or accounts belonging to others at financial institutions without permission. This measure was taken in response to the increase in cases of online fraud and misuse of bank accounts, including cases of mule account holders.
'Police view such cases seriously including any form of misuse of accounts and financial payment instruments, whether involving outside parties or family members.
'Offences such as this are not only illegal, but also undermine trust in family and financial institutions,' he said.
Noraidin advised the public to keep their bank information and bank cards safe and never allow third parties to access their bank accounts, including family members or close friends.
'File a police report immediately if there is suspicious or unauthorized transaction for further action,' he said.
