Sibu woman loses RM317,000 to traditional healing scam

An elderly woman in Sibu, Malaysia, lost approximately RM317,000 to a fraudulent syndicate using traditional treatment and bad luck removal rituals as a modus operandi. The victim, a woman in her 70s, reported that she was approached by individuals who claimed to be looking for traditional Chinese medicine.

During the encounter, a suspect allegedly claimed to be able to read the victim's face and warned that her child would be involved in a serious road accident. Fearing for her child's safety, the victim handed over cash and jewelry to participate in a protective ritual. The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. Local police have advised the public to remain cautious of strangers offering rituals or traditional treatments that demand large sums of money or valuables.