Man scams orphans, poor folks of 'duit raya'

Some 75 orphans and poor folks from Gombak have fallen victim to a man who promised 'duit raya,' buka puasa' and free stay at a hotel here yesterday.

The group, who arrived at the hotel in two buses accompanied by eight guardians, were left gutted when told the 'buka puasa' function never existed.

One of their guardians, Normala Baharim, 27, said the hotel function was promised by a Malay man named 'Faiz' via a phone call on Monday.

"I was shocked to hear the explanation of one of the hotel staff that the function for orphans and poor folks from Gombak never existed."

Normala said 'Faiz' also promised to bear all expenses including transport in the form of two buses and would pay them after they arrived at the hotel.

However, the hotel concerned was kind enough to provide 30 rooms for free, meal for 'buka puasa' and 'sahur' and pay for the two buses.

One of the guardians were also taken to lodge a report at Taman Pelangi police station.

Meanwhile, Johor Baharu Selatan district police chief ACP Sulaiman Salleh confirmed the police report and said they would investigate further.

"The initial investigation will be done by us while further investigation will be done by the Gombak district police," he added.