POLICE are looking for a foreign national suspected of stealing RM60,000 in cash from a local passenger on a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Penang on Thursday.
Southwest district police chief Assistant Commissioner Anuwal Ab Wahab said police received a report from the 54-year-old man on the same day.
The victim realised the money, which was kept in his backpack, was missing after arriving at Penang International Airport.
Anuwal said the victim suspected a foreign national who had been on the same flight.
“Police are checking the passenger list and reviewing closed-circuit television footage to trace the movements of the individual,” he said in a statement today.
He said police were working to identify and locate the suspect, with the case being investigated under Section 379 of the Penal Code for theft.
The incident is the latest in a series of reported cases involving passengers’ belongings on flights arriving in Penang.
Anuwal said police had received a report on September 17 over an attempted theft on board an aircraft that had arrived in the state.
A 55-year-old Chinese national arrested in that case was charged at the Balik Pulau Magistrates’ Court today under Section 379 of the Penal Code, read together with Section 511.
Anuwal advised passengers to remain vigilant and keep cash and valuables secure and within their sight while using public transport, including during flights.
He also urged the public not to speculate about the case, saying this could interfere with police investigations. - September 25, 2026
