The full-time Uber driver was tested positive for methamphetamine by police after her arrest near a teller machine at the Gelugor campus.

The woman told police she would pretend to pray at the muslimat (women’s) section and pilfer valuables when the congregation was engrossed in prayers.

She was caught by the campus’ auxillary police on patrol after Mahgrib prayers.

Northeast district police chief ACP Anuar Omar said the woman had admitted to stealing RM20,000 worth of items since January this year.

He said the suspect said she resorted to stealing to pay off her ah long (loan shark) debts of RM10,000.

Anuar said the woman had a prior record of possessing stolen property, committing theft, possession of dangerous drugs and self-administration of dangerous drugs.

He said her children are aged between 7 and 17, with one of them disabled.

“During interrogation, she told us she only targeted expensive items such as handbags, jewellery and mobile phones.

“She said some of the items were pawned for money,” Anuar told reporters at a press conference today.

Anuar said officers seized two pawn notes, four mobile phone shop sale receipts, three handbags of various brands and a mobile phone.

The woman has been remanded for four days from yesterday to be investigated under Section 380 of the Penal Code for theft.