Bernama reported acting Perak police chief Zulkafli Sariaat as saying the suspects, aged 21 to 35, were arrested on Jan 1, 4 and 5, and that they were believed to be linked to a scam offering unauthorised fire extinguisher maintenance services.

“Police seized 89 fire extinguishers, seven counterfeit eFEiS stickers, four mobile phones, three vehicles and two fake contractor certificates.

“The investigation began after a report was filed on Dec 31 by a man in Hutan Melintang, who claimed two men had offered to maintain his fire extinguishers for RM100 each,” he said in a statement.

The eFEiS stickers on the extinguishers were found to be fake and unregistered, and the company involved was not authorised by the fire and rescue department.

Syndicate members were reportedly tasked with approaching businesses to supply fake inspection stickers.

The syndicate is believed to have been active in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Perak.

Zulkafli said six reports were filed by victims in Bagan Datuk and Kampar, with the total losses estimated at RM89,000.

The suspects have been remanded until today for further investigation under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.