KUALA LUMPUR – Law enforcement authorities in the capital have launched a manhunt for a lone individual suspected of a calculated spree of vandalism targeting banking facilities in the Jinjang district. The incidents, which involve the destruction of automated teller machine (ATM) screens, have resulted in an estimated financial loss of RM64,000.
Sentul District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Basri Sagoni, confirmed that as of Wednesday, a total of 12 ATM monitors had been shattered. The wave of mischief prompted five separate police reports from major financial institutions, specifically targeting branches of Maybank in Jinjang Selatan, as well as RHB Bank and Public Bank in Jinjang Utara.
The investigation was triggered on February 16, when a bank technician conducting routine maintenance discovered four cracked screens at a single location. The situation escalated the following day; between noon and late evening on February 17, four additional reports were lodged as more damaged machines were discovered across the district.
According to ACP Basri, the suspect’s methodology remained consistent throughout the spree.
“The suspect’s modus operandi was to enter the bank premises and smash the ATM screens using an object believed to be a stone before fleeing the scene,” he stated in an official press release.
Notably, police have ruled out any motive of theft or financial gain. Preliminary investigations indicate that there were no attempts to breach the cash canisters or compromise the banking software, leading authorities to categorize the crime strictly as committing mischief under Section 427 of the Penal Code.
Key evidence has been retrieved from closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage across the affected branches. Police have released a description of the individual they are seeking:
- Physical Appearance: A fair-skinned male of medium build, standing approximately 165 centimeters tall.
- Attire: Last seen wearing a blue motorcycle helmet, a grey short-sleeved shirt, long trousers, and black slippers.
- Vehicle: The suspect was observed fleeing the scenes on a blue Honda Wave motorcycle.
The authorities are currently analyzing the footage to trace the suspect’s escape route. While no arrests have been made yet, the police are treating the case with urgency to prevent further disruptions to public banking services.
Members of the public who may have witnessed suspicious activity near bank lobbies in Jinjang on February 16 and 17, or those who recognize the description of the suspect, are urged to come forward. Information can be shared with the Sentul District Police Headquarters operations room at 03-40482222 or by visiting any nearby police station.
