Residents in Malaysia’s Manjung district are reportedly living in fear after a series of break-ins involving armed robbers, with the latest case involving a family of nine allegedly being held hostage by knife-wielding intruders inside their home.
The terrifying incident reportedly took place at around 3am in Kampung Koh New Village, Sitiawan, Perak.
According to reports, three masked robbers dressed in dark clothing allegedly broke into the family’s house while everyone was asleep.
The suspects reportedly covered most of their faces and exposed only their eyes during the robbery.
FAMILY INCLUDING CHILDREN THREATENED WITH KNIVES
The victims said the robbers managed to enter the home by breaking through a kitchen window after prying open iron bars and removing glass panels.
CCTV footage reportedly captured the suspects sneaking into the property before confronting members of the household.
The family said there were nine people inside the home during the incident, including five adults and four children.
According to the elderly homeowner, the robbers first confronted his eldest daughter downstairs after she woke up upon hearing noises inside the house.
The suspects allegedly threatened her with knives and forced her upstairs, where the remaining family members sleeping in two bedrooms were also held at knifepoint.
The traumatised family said they were too terrified to resist after suddenly waking up to see three armed masked men standing in front of them in the middle of the night.
The robbers allegedly ordered each family member to reveal where cash and gold jewellery were kept inside the house.
Reports stated that the suspects spent around 30 minutes searching the home before fleeing with stolen valuables.
RESIDENTS FEAR MORE BREAK-INS AFTER STRING OF ROBBERIES
The latest case has reportedly caused panic among residents in the Manjung district, especially after multiple similar break-ins were said to have taken place in nearby areas including Ayer Tawar and Sitiawan since mid-May.
The family involved in the robbery said they are still traumatised and struggled to sleep the following night after the incident.
They added that although no one in the house was physically injured, the image of armed masked intruders suddenly appearing beside them while they slept continues to haunt them.
The case has also sparked discussions online, with many netizens expressing concern over rising burglary cases and home security in residential neighbourhoods.
Police investigations into the robbery are reportedly ongoing.