KLUANG: A group of vigilant bystanders intervened and saved a 24-year-old woman from an attempted assault in a public toilet at Laman Kreatif Kampung Melayu yesterday.
The bystanders heard her screams, rushed to her aid, and restrained a man suspected of trying to assault her in the women's toilet, before contacting the police.
District police chief Assistant Commissioner Bahrin Mohd Noh said the victim entered the women's toilet at around 5.20pm and noticed one of the cubicles was occupied.
As she tried to use another enclosure, a man suddenly emerged from the occupied cubicle and told her not to scream. He then approached her, and she fell. The man pressed his body against hers, wrapped his arm around her waist, and covered her mouth with his hand.
In a desperate attempt to escape, the victim bit the suspect's hand, scratched his face, and screamed for help.
Her cries alerted nearby bystanders, who immediately came to her rescue.
Bahrin said police arrived shortly after and arrested the 34-year-old suspect. He has six prior convictions, including three for drug-related offences.
The case is being investigated under Section 354 of the Penal Code, concerning assault and the use of criminal force with intent to outrage modesty.
If convicted, the suspect faces up to 10 years in prison, a fine, whipping, or a combination of these penalties.