KUCHING: Swift and heroic efforts by parents and neighbours successfully thwarted a man’s attempt to kidnap an eight-year-old girl for alleged companionship.
News of the attempted kidnapping went viral on social media after the girl’s father posted a detailed account and photos on Facebook.
The incident occurred on Monday (Mar 11) while six children were playing outside their homes around Jalan Airport area.
Shortly afterward, the suspect arrived in the neighbourhood and abducted one of the children, placing her in the front seat of a white Perodua Bezza that he was driving.
The other children quickly informed their parents, and they rushed out to prevent the suspect from fleeing. Fortunately, the girl’s father managed to retrieve his daughter from the vehicle, and no injuries were reported.
It was reported that a scuffle broke out between the suspect and the parents during the incident. Eventually, the neighbours apprehended the suspect, and the police were informed.
Meanwhile, Kuching police chief ACP Ahsmon Bajah, when contacted, confirmed that they had received information regarding the incident around 6.55pm.
The suspect, in his 30s, was re-arrested by the police and taken to the police station for further procedures. Additionally, the vehicle used in the incident was also seized.
“Investigations revealed that the suspect is a holder of a disabled person (OKU) card and suffers from learning difficulties, specifically Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), for which he has been undergoing treatment at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) since 2001.
“Checks found that he had no prior criminal records,” he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 365/511 of the Penal Code for attempted kidnapping, which carries a penalty of up to seven years of imprisonment or a fine upon conviction.
Ahsmon stated that the suspect was charged under Section 365 of the Penal Code, read together with Section 511 of the same Code, in Kuching Court last Friday (Mar 15).
“The court has ordered the man to be detained at Sentosa Hospital for psychiatric evaluation.
“The case is scheduled for re-mention on April 22 after the completion of treatment,” he said.
In this regard, Ahsmon extended gratitude on behalf of Kuching district police headquarters (IPD) to the community for their swift action during the incident.
The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
