[VIDEO] Man Impersonates City Council Staff To Fool Local Residents & Collect Ang Pows
A Penang man disguised himself as a cleaner to lie his way into some extra cash this Chinese New Year.
By Deborah Chan — 26 Jan 2023, 02:36 PM
A man disguised himself as a Penang Island City Council (MBPP) staff to ask for ang pows from unsuspecting homeowners in Penang yesterday, 25 January
According to the New Straits Times, the incident took place at Batu Lanchang, where a man was seen in the city council uniform going door to door asking for Chinese New Year ang pows from the neighbours.
The incident was also reported by the public to MBPP, who immediately sent officers to investigate the matter
In a statement on Wednesday, MBPP reconfirmed that the man was not a recognised employee but instead had the malicious intent of disguising himself with the hope of receiving cash from the local residents.
"A police report has been made regarding this matter and MBPP is serious and uncompromising towards any individual who impersonates a cleaning staff, no matter the situation," they said.The statement went on to urge the public to not give the cleaners ang pows even if they were to ask.
"All MBPP cleaners have been held accountable to carry out these duties efficiently and reliably. Therefore, the giving of ang pow is not allowed."
According to MBPP, the police took action against the individual on the same day
At the time of the arrest, the man was seen collecting a red packet from a resident through their house gate.
When questioned by the officers in charge, it was reported that the man apologised and admitted that he was not a staff member.
MBPP has also advised the public to report any similar incidents by contacting the local council's 24-hour hotline at +604-2637637 or WhatsApp at +6016-2004082.
