Contractor loses RM50,400 in fake tender scam involving portable power equipment

A 52-YEAR-OLD electrical contractor in Kuala Terengganu lost RM50,400 after being deceived by a syndicate using a fake tender offer to sell portable power equipment.

Kuala Terengganu district police chief Assistant Commissioner Azli Mohd Noor said the victim lodged a police report at 3.58pm yesterday after realising he had been conned.

He said the incident began on July 14 when the victim was at his office in Jalan Sultan Zainal Abidin and received a quotation email related to the installation of solar LED street lights under a special allocation from the Local Government Department (JKT).

"Following that, the victim contacted an individual known as Nik Syahril, who claimed to be an employee of the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT).

"The suspect then offered the victim an opportunity to supply three units of Anker Solix F3800 portable chargers at RM16,800 each and introduced a supplier company known as Xynova Trading," he said in a statement.

Azli said the victim later communicated with another individual known as James through WhatsApp before making two payments into the RHB Bank account of the company last Thursday.

The first transaction involved RM40,400, followed by a second payment of RM10,000, bringing the total amount transferred to RM50,400 from the victim's business savings.

"However, on July 25, the victim attempted to contact the supplier again but discovered that all communication channels had been blocked before realising he had become a victim of fraud," he said.

The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.

Azli advised members of the public to verify any tender offers or suppliers directly with the relevant agencies before making payments to avoid falling victim to scams. - July 26, 2026