In a startling incident at the Sultan Iskandar CIQ Complex, a Malaysian man narrowly escaped falling victim to a potential mind-control scam.
The incident, which occurred on November 9, 2023, at approximately 10:20 pm, highlights the importance of remaining vigilant in public spaces, according to Jayden Chim on Facebook, as reported by 8World News.
The Encounter at CIQ Rotiboy
The victim, who had just arrived in Johor Bahru, was near CIQ Rotiboy when he was approached by a Chinese woman. She inquired, “Are you working in Singapore? I’m starting my job there tomorrow. Do you have any part-time job recommendations?”
The unsuspecting man responded that he had no information to share.
As the victim continued the conversation, he noticed a sudden change in the atmosphere. The moment he heard the woman’s voice, he felt a sense of unease.
After a brief exchange, he found himself inhaling a peculiar, cool scent emanating from the woman. Shortly after, he experienced a sensation of dizziness and a burning sensation in his head.
Realizing that something was amiss, the Malaysian man acted swiftly. He declined further interaction, suspecting that he might be targeted by what he referred to as the “迷魂党 (mind control syndicate)” perpetrators. His decision to distance himself from the situation likely prevented a more serious outcome.
In a message to fellow travelers, the man warned, “各位来回的兄弟姐妹还是要小心” (Translation: Brothers and sisters traveling back and forth, please be careful). This cautionary note emphasizes the potential dangers that individuals may encounter, especially in unfamiliar surroundings.
The victim’s suspicion of involvement with the syndicate adds a chilling dimension to the incident. While not confirmed, the use of substances to incapacitate individuals to make them more receptive to sugggestions for illicit purposes is a well-known tactic employed by criminals.
Not unheard of
Back in April 2023, 8World News reported a story of a woman in Malaysia who apparently fell victim to such a scam, willingly giving up RM70,000 (or S$20,300) worth of jewellery and RM1,600 in cash to someone she just met for the first time, after being placed in a trance.
The woman was running errands that morning when she met a woman hysterically crying and begging her, saying that she wants to “help” her daughter.
Another woman then stepped in and said that she knew someone who could “help”, and before the victim knew it, she brought the two strangers to her home and willingly handed over her valuables, and even went with them to an ATM to withdraw money and giving it to them.
She later came to her senses and realised that she had been scammed and went to the police for help.