Three youths in Malaysia caught on CCTV stealing temple donation money in broad daylight
Three young men in Penang, Malaysia, were caught on CCTV allegedly stealing cash from a temple donation box, prompting police investigations and sparking concerns over repeated thefts at religious sites.
BUTTERWORTH, Malaysia – Three youths are under police investigation after allegedly stealing money from a donation box at Simpah Guan Yin Ting Dou Mu Gong temple on 11 September.
CCTV footage showed the trio arriving in a white sedan before carrying out the theft in broad daylight.
How the incident unfolded
One suspect, carrying a backpack, entered the temple. He initially appeared to make a donation but instead inserted a sticky tool into the slot of the donation box, pulling out cash.
The second suspect loitered nearby, pretending to feed fish while acting as a lookout. The third remained in the car, ready to make a quick getaway.
Temple staff said the suspects fled after realising their actions had been noticed. The coordinated nature of the theft suggested the plan was premeditated.
Previous thefts raise alarm
This is not the first time the temple has been targeted. Last month, staff discovered tampering with the inner basket of a donation box. A review of earlier CCTV footage later confirmed that money had also been stolen then.
The temple has since handed over the latest CCTV evidence to police and shared the videos online to warn other temples of similar schemes.
Security tightened at temple grounds
In response, the management committee has increased patrols around the compound.
“We hope the public and other temples stay vigilant,” a staff member said, emphasising the importance of safeguarding funds meant for temple maintenance and community activities.
Police confirmed that investigations into the theft are ongoing.
