Cash ‘vanishes’ mid-air: Cops hunt foreign national after RM60,000 goes missing from passenger’s backpack on KL-Penang flight

The 54-year-old victim reported the suspected theft after landing at Penang International Airport, with police now seeking a foreign national believed to have been on the same flight. — AFP pic

First Published: Friday, 25 Sep 2026 11:22 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 25 — A passenger arrived in Penang yesterday only to discover that RM60,000 in cash had allegedly gone missing from his backpack during a flight from Kuala Lumpur.

The 54-year-old victim reported the suspected theft after landing at Penang International Airport, with police now seeking a foreign national believed to have been on the same flight, the New Straits Times reported.

South-west district police chief Assistant Commissioner Anuwal Ab Wahab said the victim suspected the foreign passenger was involved in the incident.

“The complainant suspects a foreign man who was on the same flight was involved in the incident,” he said.

Anuwal said investigators were reviewing the flight’s passenger manifest and closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage to trace the suspect’s movements.

The case is being investigated under Section 379 of the Penal Code for theft.

It is the second suspected theft during a flight reported in the district within a week.

On September 17, police received a report of an attempted theft aboard an incoming flight to Penang.

A 55-year-old Chinese national arrested in connection with that case was charged at the Balik Pulau Magistrates’ Court today under Section 379 read with Section 511 of the Penal Code.

Anuwal advised the public to remain vigilant and keep personal belongings, especially cash and valuables, secure and within constant supervision when using public transport, including during flights.