ALOR GAJAH: Police are on the hunt for a man suspected of stealing a handbag belonging to a female university student while she was performing prayers in the women's prayer area of a mosque in Kampung Jelatang here on Saturday (June 6).
Alor Gajah OCPD Superintendent Ahmad Abu Bakar said the incident occurred at about 4.45pm when the 19-year-old student was performing prayers alone at the mosque.
He said the victim had placed her handbag, containing cash, a mobile phone, personal belongings and important documents, in front of her prayer mat before noticing an unfamiliar man standing nearby her.
"The suspect, who was wearing a blue T-shirt and black shorts, suddenly grabbed the handbag and fled through the rear exit of the women's prayer area," he said on Monday (June 8).
Supt Ahmad said police received a report on the incident at 6.24pm on the same day and investigations are being conducted under Section 380 of the Penal Code for theft.
He said the suspect's identity has been established and efforts are underway to trace and apprehend him.
"We urge members of the public not to speculate on the case and to provide any information that could assist investigations to the Alor Gajah District Police Headquarters at 06-556 2222 or the nearest police station," he said.
Earlier, a video clip of the incident went viral on social media, showing a man believed to be making off with a handbag from the mosque's women's prayer area while the victim was in the midst of performing her prayers.
