A convenience store employee in Malaysia was left injured after being attacked by two armed robbers who stormed into a newly opened shop and fled with cash and stolen items.
Authorities are now searching for the suspects, who allegedly escaped in a vehicle bearing what appeared to be a Singapore-registered licence plate following the violent robbery in Penang.
The incident has sparked concern among local business owners, many of whom say crime has become increasingly worrying in the area.
Employee Attacked During Night-Time Robbery
The robbery took place at an Easy To U Mart located in Taman Bistari at approximately 9:30pm on May 31.
According to reports, two men entered the convenience store armed with parangs before immediately targeting a 27-year-old employee working behind the counter.
CCTV footage circulating online shows the suspects slashing the victim multiple times, causing injuries to his head and both hands.
After attacking the employee, the pair allegedly grabbed cash, cartons of cigarettes and a sling bag before fleeing the scene.
The stolen items were estimated to be worth around RM500 (approximately S$160).
Suspects Escape In Vehicle Believed To Be Foreign-Registered
Witnesses reported seeing the two suspects run from the store and enter a waiting vehicle parked nearby.
A third individual was allegedly standing outside and appeared to be acting as a lookout during the robbery.
Police investigations revealed that the getaway vehicle carried a registration plate beginning with the letter “S”, leading authorities to believe it may have been a foreign-registered vehicle.
Investigators are currently reviewing evidence and tracing the suspects’ movements following the attack.
Law enforcement officers have urged anyone with information about the case to come forward as efforts continue to identify and arrest those responsible.
Victim Suffers Serious Injuries But Stable
Video footage from the aftermath showed blood splattered across the shop floor after the suspects fled.
The injured employee was seen bleeding heavily from his head and arms while members of the public rushed into the store to render assistance.
He was subsequently transported to hospital for medical treatment.
Police later confirmed that the victim suffered injuries to both hands and his head but remains in stable condition.
Authorities have assured the public that the investigation remains ongoing and that all available leads are being pursued.
Neighbours Concerned Over Recent Crime Cases
The convenience store had reportedly been operating for only five days before becoming the target of the violent robbery.
Business owners in the area told local media that criminal incidents have become a growing concern within the neighbourhood.
One workshop operator claimed that tools and materials were recently stolen from his lorry just days after the convenience store attack.
While it remains unclear whether the incidents are connected, many traders have begun installing additional CCTV cameras and security measures to protect their businesses.
Several shop owners said they now fear becoming the next victims of crime as police continue their search for the suspects behind the parang attack.