Housewives lodge false reports out of desperation to buy cosmetics
The complainant and her friend had pawned their mobile phones at a pawnshop.
SANDAKAN - Two housewives resorted to filing false reports claiming they were robbed at knifepoint and had their mobile phones stolen when they actually sold them to buy cosmetics.
However, the actions of the two women, aged 34 and 20, were uncovered after further investigations by the police.
Sandakan District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Abdul Fuad Abdul Malek said the authorities received a report about the incident at 12.05pm on Wednesday.
"A local complainant, together with her friend, filed a report claiming they had been victims of an armed robbery.
"In the incident, their two mobile phones and RM136 in cash were allegedly taken by three suspects armed with knives at 7pm the previous evening in Sandakan town," he said in a statement on Thursday.
Based on information and investigations, he said the statements provided by the complainant and her friend were inconsistent and suspicious.
"Further investigations revealed that the alleged robbery did not occur. Instead, the complainant and her friend had pawned their mobile phones at a pawnshop.
"Both complainants, who are housewives, took such action because they were desperate for money to buy cosmetics but were afraid of being scolded by their husbands," he said.
Fuad added the two housewives would be investigated under Section 182 of the Penal Code for providing false information.
He also advised the public not to engage in such actions, as those found guilty could face a penalty of six months imprisonment, a fine of RM2,000, or both.
