KUALA LUMPUR: An armed robbery at KK Mart in Kampung Melayu, Ampang, early today was thwarted thanks to the quick actions of a bystander, leading to the immediate capture of the suspect.
Ampang Jaya district police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Azam Ismail said that the incident occurred around dawn when police received a call via MERS 999 about the robbery at the convenience store.
Officers were promptly dispatched to the scene.
Upon arrival, police found a 39-year-old male suspect, dressed in a dark blue shirt with the DBKL logo, had already been apprehended by a passerby who witnessed the robbery in progress.
Initial investigations revealed that the suspect had threatened the victim, a 51-year-old Indian man working at the counter, with a parang, demanding money while attempting to pry open the cash register.
Fortunately, a nearby bystander intervened, resulting in a struggle that led to the suspect's arrest.
Police arrived at 5.33am and took the suspect into custody.
He has a history of three previous drug-related offences and tested positive for drugs following his arrest.
The suspect will be remanded for seven days, from Oct 22, as authorities continue their investigation into the case.
It is classified under Section 392/397 of the Penal Code for armed robbery, which carries a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment, a fine, or whipping upon conviction.