KUCHING – Police in Samarahan have arrested a 49-year-old man suspected of breaking into a Chinese temple and stealing from a donation box in Kampung Jemukan Ulu, Sadong Jaya, Asajaya. His accomplice, however, is still on the run.
Samarahan district police chief Supt Damatarius Lautin said the theft happened around 2.05pm on Sunday (Aug 18) at An Hui Ting Chinese Temple. The crime was captured on closed-circuit television (CCTV).
According to him, the temple’s secretary noticed the suspicious act while monitoring the CCTV. The secretary, together with the temple chairman, quickly acted by blocking the suspects’ escape route using their vehicles. Police were alerted immediately.
“One of the suspects was caught at the scene, but another, believed to be in his 50s, managed to flee into nearby bushes,” Damatarius said in a statement.
The arrested man, who is unemployed and has previous criminal records including drug-related offences, was found to be under the influence of drugs during the arrest.
Police also seized a vehicle believed to have been used in the crime. Investigators recovered a plastic roll coated with glue at its tip – a tool believed to be used by the suspects to fish money from the donation box.
The suspect was brought before the Kota Samarahan Magistrate’s Court and has been remanded to assist investigations under Section 380 of the Penal Code for theft in a building.
Damatarius said efforts are now underway to track down the second suspect who is still at large. He also reminded the public and temple committees to remain alert and improve security measures to prevent such cases in the future.
This case highlights the determination of the community working hand-in-hand with police to foil criminal activities, ensuring that places of worship remain safe.
