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A 67-year-old man was brought before four Magistrate's Courts over a series of late-night strikes on automated teller machines (ATMs) in Jinjang
Leong Kuen, a painter, pleaded not guilty yesterday, 27 February, to multiple counts of mischief following his arrest last week.
The prosecution alleged that Leong used a stone to shatter 13 ATM screens at three separate banks.
According to the New Straits Times, the incidents occurred between 8am on 16 February and 9.44pm on 17 February.
Public Bank, Malayan Banking Berhad (Maybank), and RHB Bank Berhad (RHB Bank) reported losses totalling RM70,240.96 from the damage
Maybank suffered losses of RM45,183.20, while RHB Bank reported damages of RM24,257.76.
Leong was also charged with punching the cover panel of a cash deposit machine at a Maybank branch in Jinjang Selatan on 16 February.
This act reportedly caused an additional RM800 in losses.
The charges fall under Section 427 of the Penal Code, which covers mischief and damage to property. If convicted, Leong could face up to five years in prison, a fine, or both.
Four magistrates — Aina Azahra Arifin, Atiqah Mohamed Saim, Nurul Izzah Hasan Basri, and Faezahnoor Hassan — granted Leong bail totalling RM14,300 with one surety.
The courts have scheduled 7 April and 20 April for the next mentions.
The man was arrested by the police after a video clip of him smashing the ATM screens went viral.
Sentul district police chief ACP Basri Sagoni told the New Straits Times that the man was frustrated after failing to withdraw money from the ATMs.
He added that officers seized several items during the investigation
These included a motorcycle, a helmet, and the rock believed to be the primary tool used in the spree.
While the prosecution was led by four deputy public prosecutors, Leong appeared in court unrepresented.
