Penang Deputy Chief Minister P Ramasamy is baffled why the police have yet to launch a probe in a “fast and effective manner” on two criminal cases in Seberang Perai although the alleged suspects have been identified by the victims.

 

Ramasamy said one of the cases involved theft in Bukit Mertajam last year, where a 15 year old boy, allegedly stole a bunch of keys, including house keys, while he was a worker in the complainant’s workshop.

 

The youth and his mother allegedly later entered the complainant’s home and stole RM5,000 in cash, jewellery worth RM40,000 and a Samsung tablet.

 

The complainant suspected the youth as he was the only person in the shop when the keys went missing and has visited his home in the past.

 

“The complainant said the youth had admitted the theft to him but pleaded not to be brought to the police station,” Ramasamy told a press conference today.

 

“The youth had also asked his mother to return the stolen goods and cash, but the woman refused to admit that she was involved in the matter,” he added.

 

The complainant then lodged a report with the Bukit Mertajam police, and when there was no action, went to the Penang police headquarters, but he has yet to hear if action has been taken on the youth and his mother,” Ramasamy said.

 

Ramasamy said he had sent a letter to the state legal adviser on the status of the case.

 

He said he learnt that the state legal adviser had sent a letter to the police headquarters asking them for a report of the probe.

 

“But until today, the complainant has yet to receive any word from the police or the state legal adviser’s office,” lamented the Prai assemblyman.

 

Bully in Nibong Tebal school

 

Ramasamy said the second case involved a bully in a school in Nibong Tebal which happened last month.

 

He related the tale of a 16 year old youth who was badly beaten by a group of youths with helmets and an iron chain and lock.

 

The youth suffered massive injuries on his head, body and teeth and until today, cannot eat properly and can only consume soup, Ramasamy claimed.

 

“However, police have yet to take a statement from the victim.  Although he still cannot speak properly, he can give a written statement,” Ramasamy said.

 

“He has kept the evidence of his beating - the iron chain and lock, which should have been taken by the police to help them in the probe,” he added.

 

Ramasamy then reminded the police that under Section 3(3) of the Police Act of 1967, the job of the police, among others, is to prevent crime, track down criminals, and detain and charge wrongdoers.

 

He urged the authorities in Seberang Perai and Police chief Abdul Rahim Hanafi to urgently ensure that all criminal cases in Penang were speedily probed without delay.