Three masked men carried out a lightning-fast robbery at a goldsmith shop in Genting Highlands, Malaysia, escaping with jewellery worth more than RM1.7 million (around S$534,778) after spending just two minutes inside the store.
The incident happened at SkyAvenue Mall on Aug 17 at about 11.40am, according to Malaysian media reports. Police said the suspects arrived at the popular tourist destination in a BMW before entering the jewellery outlet and carrying out the robbery.
The men were reportedly armed with an axe and crowbars. They used the tools to smash and force open display cabinets before grabbing multiple trays of jewellery.
Investigators found that the robbers escaped with five trays containing 81 pieces of jewellery weighing approximately 2.5kg. The entire operation was completed within about 120 seconds before the suspects fled from the highland area.
No Security Guard Was Present During Robbery
At the time of the incident, there were no customers inside the goldsmith shop. Two employees, a man and a woman, were working at the store, while another female employee was away on a break.
Authorities later discovered that no security guard was stationed at the shop when the robbery took place.
The absence of armed security at a jewellery outlet located inside a busy shopping mall has raised concerns about safety measures for high-value retail businesses, especially those dealing with luxury goods and precious metals.
Jewellery stores typically rely on a combination of security guards, surveillance cameras, alarm systems and reinforced display cases to prevent theft. The incident has highlighted the importance of reviewing security arrangements at commercial premises handling expensive assets.
Police Launch Manhunt For Suspects
Following the robbery, Malaysian police launched an investigation and are searching for the three suspects. No arrests have been made so far.
Authorities are expected to review CCTV footage from the mall and surrounding areas to track the movements of the suspects before and after the robbery.
The case has drawn attention due to the speed and precision of the operation, with the robbers managing to remove hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of jewellery in the time it would take many shoppers to walk through a mall.
Police have urged anyone with information about the suspects or the BMW used during the robbery to come forward as investigations continue.
The incident serves as another reminder for businesses dealing with luxury goods, jewellery and other high-value items to strengthen security protocols to reduce the risk of major financial losses.