Recently, there were claims of an incident in Gurun, Kedah where a man attempted to abduct a child in order to get money for food. Such instances where a child’s life is put at risk tend to shock the public and draw their attention.
But did this incident actually occur as claimed?
Verdict:
TRUE
The Kuala Muda District Police Chief ACP Zaidy Che Hassan confirmed that such an incident did indeed occur in a restaurant near Gurun at approximately 7am on Sunday (Nov 26).
According to ACP Zaidy, the incident happened when the child’s father left her alone on a motorcycle parked on the side of the road while he went to pick up his roti canai order from the restaurant.
“The victim’s father stated that his daughter was left sitting on the motorcycle while he walked to the restaurant about six metres away to get the roti canai,” said ACP Zaidy.
Witnesses saw the 26-year-old Nepali suspect rushing towards the girl, grabbing her and then retreating a few steps while pointing a knife at her neck, added ACP Zaidy.
The suspect then spoke in an incomprehensible language believed to be Nepali, seemingly asking for money from the victim’s father to buy food.
“While trying to pacify his daughter, the victim’s father persuaded the suspect to release the girl. It took two to three minutes before passers-by managed to apprehend the suspect from behind and save the victim,” he added.
ACP Zaidy informed that the suspect was arrested and a knife was seized from him. The victim was taken to a hospital for examination and treatment.
An initial investigation revealed that the suspect entered the country a month ago to work at a factory in Sungai Lalang but ran off from his employer, believed to be due to work pressure.
“The suspect’s employer had filed a police report on Nov 8 against him for running away. His actions were attributed to stress and hunger, as he had not eaten for several days,” said ACP Zaidy.
The case is being investigated under Section 363 of the Penal Code and Section 6 of the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act 1958
