Man damages bank machines, injures bystander in Sarikei

SARIKEI: A man allegedly damaged five banking machines with a parang after failing to withdraw cash from an automated teller machine (ATM) in Sarikei.

A 21-year-old man who tried to stop him was also injured.

Sarikei district police chief Superintendent Aswandy Anis said the 38-year-old suspect was believed to have damaged two ATMs, two cash deposit machines and a cheque deposit machine at a bank at 12.05am.

He said initial investigations found that the suspect acted out of frustration after failing to withdraw money. The suspect also admitted to being intoxicated at the time.

"After the incident, the suspect is believed to have fled in a Toyota Hilux, driving against the flow of traffic before crashing into a road divider on Jalan Masjid Lama," he said in a statement.

Aswandy said the victim sustained severe injuries to his left hand after allegedly being struck with a parang while trying to stop the suspect.

He said the victim was taken to Sarikei Hospital.

"The suspect later surrendered at the Sarikei police station. Police also seized a Toyota Hilux and a prang," he said.

Aswandy said a urine screening test found that the suspect was positive for ketamine and benzodiazepine.

The case is being investigated under Section 427 and Section 326 of the Penal Code, Section 45(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 and Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.

Sarikei is a town in Sarawak, on the island of Borneo, about 120km north-east of Sibu. It is known for its pineapple production.