SINGAPORE: In a shocking incident that has put air travel safety in the spotlight, a 30-year-old man has been sentenced to seven months in jail for stealing a credit card from a fellow passenger aboard an AirAsia flight from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore.

The perpetrator, Jiang Yangbo, a Chinese national, committed the crime on May 16 while onboard flight AK719. Jiang, who was seated behind his victim, Jin Chengjie—a 36-year-old Chinese national working in Singapore—was able to access Jin's belongings by removing a blue laptop bag from the overhead compartment.

Once Jiang had the bag on his lap, court documents reveal he rifled through it and extracted Jin’s Citibank credit card, slipping it into his rear pocket before returning the bag to its original spot. He then proceeded to visit the bathroom, presumably to evade suspicion. However, an observant fellow passenger witnessed the entire act, and alerted the victim once the plane landed at Changi Airport.

Realizing his card was missing, Jin acted quickly to cancel it, but not before Jiang, noticing the conversation, tried to dispose of the card by tossing it back into the overhead compartment. This desperate move did not save him; the card was discovered by another passenger shortly thereafter. Fortunately, Jiang's plan failed, as investigations revealed that the card was not used for any illicit purchases.

As Jiang was arrested by auxiliary police at the airport thanks to a swift response from both the victim and the witness, the Singapore Police Force reiterated their strict stance on in-flight theft. 'The police have zero tolerance against acts of theft on board an aircraft,' a spokesperson stated. 'We will spare no effort to apprehend such offenders, who will be dealt with sternly in accordance with the law.'

As a precaution, authorities are advising travelers to safeguard their valuables by keeping them close, rather than in overhead compartments. Vigilance while flying is crucial; passengers are discouraged from ignoring suspicious behavior, such as individuals rummaging through others' belongings. Alerting cabin crew promptly can prevent theft and ensure a safer travel experience.

This incident not only raises awareness about security measures on flights but also serves as a reminder that vigilance is key—whether you're soaring through the skies or simply enjoying a leisurely trip. As air travel resumes to normalcy post-pandemic, it’s imperative to remain alert and take action against potential threats.