KOTA KINABALU: Police have opened three investigation papers into fraudulent Mount Kinabalu climbing packages reported between January and November this year.
City police chief ACP Kasim Muda said the cases, involving total losses of RM65,010, were classified under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
He said the scams were carried out by agents who advertised fake climbing packages through social media, collected full payments, but failed to register participants with Sabah Parks, leaving victims stranded on their climbing dates.
Police have arrested a woman believed to be acting as a climbing agent and charged her in court over the offence.
Kasim advised the public to verify any online climbing package and to deal directly with registered agents or Sabah Parks to avoid falling victim to such scams.
