SIBU: Some 14 traders at the Sibujaya native market were duped by fake RM20 notes, says the police.
Sibu OCPD Asst Comm Zulkipli Suhaili said the commercial crime investigation unit had, on Monday (Jan 30), received reports from the victims, aged between 40 and 50 years old.
"The victims claimed that a 40-year old woman accompanied by her five-year-old daughter had bought daily necessities from them. They were each handed with an RM20 note and were unaware of any problems at the time," he said.
According to ACP Zulkipli, several hours later, one of the traders noticed that the paper quality of the note was poor and that the ink had started to spread.
"Upon checking, all of the notes had the same serial number as well," he said.
The trader subsequently broadcast live on social media to alert the public on the incident.
ACP Zulkifli said the fake notes had been sent to Bank Negara for further action.
The case is being investigated under Section 489B of the Penal Code.