JASIN - An elderly man had to endure pain when his face was splashed with ‘sambal tumis’ (chilli paste) and slapped during a robbery incident at Jalan Datuk Nawar, Kampung Ayer Tawar, Merlimau, here on Wednesday.
In the incident at about 9.30 am, the 61-year-old victim was lying near the back door of his house before being approached by a suspect in his 30s.
Jasin District police chief Deputy Superintendent Ahmad Jamil Radzi said that based on preliminary investigations, the victim was splashed with chilli paste before the suspect became aggressive and slapped the victim.
The suspect also struck the victim with a plastic chair more than twice.
He said the victim tried to endure the pain and as a result of the blows, he suffered injuries to his head.
"The victim said he tried to seek help from the public, but no one came.
"The suspect took the victim's bag containing a wallet with RM400 cash, bank cards and a driving licence before fleeing," he told reporters here on Thursday.
Earlier, images of the victim receiving initial treatment by paramedics as well as voice notes on the WhatsApp application warning the public to be cautious after the robbery incident in the village went viral.
Jamil added that the victim had previously been involved in an accident and had difficulty walking.
Investigations were conducted under Section 394 of the Penal Code.
"The police are actively tracking down the suspect described as stout and was wearing a helmet and a face mask at the time of the incident," he said.