SIBU: A noodle seller fell victim to a gut-wrenching ‘bomoh’ scam, resulting in an astounding loss of RM231,792 from her savings.
The incident was reported by the distraught 65-year-old on June 27, revealing a distressing tale of deception and financial ruin.
Police Commissioner Datuk Mohd Azman Ahmad Sapri said the unfortunate encounter took place at Sibu Central Market on June 23 when she was approached by three unidentified women.
One of them was believed to be of Chinese nationality, while the other two were locals. Little did the innocent noodle seller know that this seemingly chance encounter would lead to her financial downfall.
“Exploiting the victim’s vulnerability, one of the suspects claimed to possess the ability to predict fate and ominously warned the victim about an impending tragedy and a string of misfortunes.
“Manipulating her fears, they led the victim on foot to Jalan Hardin Sri Menanti, where the situation took an even darker turn.
“To avert the perceived calamity, the suspects convinced the victim that she needed to pay a sum of cash for prayers to be performed to remove the ill-fated events from her life,” he said.
Consequently, the victim succumbed to their persuasive tactics and withdrew all of her savings amounting to RM231,792 from two bank accounts at different financial institutions.
Mohd Azman added that the victim was instructed to put the money into a conspicuous blue bag.
Following that, she was coerced into participating in a prayer ceremony orchestrated by the suspects, who then directed her to entrust the bag to one of their associates.
Adding to the mystery, the victim was informed that the bag could only be opened after a month had passed.
However, the harsh truth dawned upon the hapless victim when she finally mustered the courage to open the bag the next day.
“To her surprise, she discovered that her money had vanished, leaving her devastated and financially crippled.
“Realising the extent of the scam, the victim promptly came forward and lodged a police report,” he said.
