KOTA KINABALU: A 61-year-old local man has been arrested on suspicion of duping people into paying a "fee" of RM20 per person to get vaccinated against Covid-19.

       Semporna district police chief Supt Farhan Lee Abdullah said on Monday (Sept 20) that the suspect was being investigated for cheating at least 16 people for vaccination services that the government is providing to the people for free.

       He said the suspect was arrested at the children's park in Semporna town at 2.35pm on Saturday (Sept 18) by policemen from the district police Crime Prevention and Community Safety division.

       "We believe the suspect was cheating people in connection with the government's Covid-19 vaccination programme.

       "The suspect took RM20 as payment from each recipient to be vaccinated," he said.

       He said police believe at least 16 people have been duped by the suspect and are calling on the victims to come forward.

       The suspect has been remanded until Tuesday (Sept 21).

       Those with information on the case may contact investigating officer Sgt Mohamad Hayazi Hariff at 017-895 4967 or 089-782020, or go to the nearest police station.

       Supt Farhan did not reveal if the victims were undocumented foreigners.

       He said police viewed the matter seriously because the vaccines were provided free by the government and no one should take advantage of the situation to cheat people.

       "Action will be taken against anyone involved," he said.

       Covid-19 vaccination is provided free for citizens and non-citizens alike and the government has given an assurance that no action would be taken against undocumented foreigners turning up at vaccination centres.