We've seen plenty of good deeds from kind-hearted Malaysians, but we've also seen people taking advantage of the situation.

Well, the authorites are not going to let that slide anymore.

Stop the looting

In light of the increasing looting and stealing occurrences in areas hit by floods, the police have increased their personnel to keep an eye on such incidents.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani told The Star that Bukit Aman has deployed 30 teams to curb looting and stealing in areas affected by the floods.

According to IGP Acryl, the teams consist of 120 officers and personnel from the Criminal Investigation Department's Cantas squad.

Image credit: The Guardian

The decision to mobilise the teams were made after seven such cases were reported in Selangor alone.

"Four cases were reported in Shah Alam, two in North Klang and one in South Klang.

"We are aware that there are those who are taking advantage of the disaster by looting and stealing. The Cantas team will ensure that such crimes do not reoccur," he was quoted as saying.

Shah Alam OCPD Asst Comm Baharudin Mat Taib was reported as saying in a seperate news report that the police have detained 31 foreigners in connection with the looting of several convenience stores in Taman Sri Muda during the floods.

Vehicle thieves, you beware too!

The Cantas teams will also be on the lookout for vehicle thieves at flooded areas, IGP Acryl added.

The police have received reports of vehicles damaged by floods being stolen, including by people using tow trucks to cart them away.

IGP Acryl said that a tow truck driver has been arrested for trying to steal vehicles stranded in the flooded area after several pictures of the perpetrator in action went viral on social media.