Find 1 ringgit, lose $1,316

Find 1 ringgit, lose $1,316

KUALA LUMPUR (DPA): A Malaysian man was robbed of 5,000 ringgit (US$1,316) while stooping to pick up a 1 ringgit coin he saw lying in the street, a news report said on Thursday.

The Star daily said the 30-year-old salesman was grabbed by three men who rummaged through his trouser pockets and took an envelope containing the 5,000 ringgit.

The robbers fled before the stunned man could react, the daily said, adding that the robbers, however, failed to find another 10,000 ringgit on the victim.

The victim had earlier withdrawn 15,000 ringgit from a bank on Monday and was walking along one of Kuala Lumpur's busiest streets when he spotted the 1 ringgit coin.

Police believed the gang who robbed him was responsible for several thefts in the area in the past month.

Most Malaysians pick up coins they find in the street, even with very low denominations, because they believe it is a sign that good luck is coming their way.