Panic at Sibu boat terminal after MP loses gun, RM190,000 cash

SIBU, July 29 — The theft of a bag belonging to Datuk Billy Abit Joo caused pandemonium at the express boat terminal here, yesterday.

The BorneoPost Online reported that in response, police and personnel from Rela and the civil defence force descended en masse on the terminal mid-morning yesterday as the bag contained a loaded automatic pistol and RM190,000 in cash.

The Hulu Rajang MP (picture), who was at the terminal to catch a boat to Kapit, had left the bag unattended on the floor of a handphone shop that he was browsing.

The news portal said the bag was recovered within the hour following a tip-off from a member of the public.
It was discovered in a dustbin at Lembangan Walkway near Tanahmas Hotel with the money still inside.
Police told The BorneoPost that it is likely the thief had discarded the bag immediately upon finding the pistol inside.

As a result, the money, which was at the bottom of the bag in a yellow envelope, went undetected because he did not rifle through the rest of the bag’s contents.