Tour guide suffers asthma attack during RM500,000 fraud charge

KUALA LUMPUR - A tour guide suffered an asthma attack when he was brought before the Sessions Court here today on charges of cheating a man out of nearly RM500,000 last year.

Tjoeng Chan Chin, 48, pleaded not guilty after the charges were read to him before Judge Azrul Darus but immediately after the charges were read, Judge Azrul briefly adjourned the proceedings after observing the man gasping for air in the dock and having to use an inhaler several times.

Proceedings resumed a few minutes later, with the judge allowing Tjoeng to remain seated in the dock for the remainder of the session.

According to the charge, the man, along with two others still at large, is accused of cheating a 71-year-old elderly man by offering a non-existent investment loan, which prompted the victim to hand over money totaling RM475,166.

The offence was allegedly committed at a location in Section 6, Wangsa Maju, between March 12 and April 3, 2025. The charge is framed under Section 420 of the Penal Code, read together with Section 34 of the same code, which carries a prison sentence of between one and 10 years, whipping, and a fine upon conviction.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Izzat Amir Idham offered bail at RM50,000 with one surety. However, defence counsel Evie Melynda Jee requested a lower bail amount, citing that her client suffers from chronic heart disease, asthma and high blood pressure.

The accused, who earns RM3,000 a month, also supports two children and elderly parents.

The court subsequently allowed bail at RM5,000 with one surety and fixed April 16 for case mention. - BERNAMA