Man who tried to kidnap boy in Johor is mentally ill - Police

SHAH ALAM - A mentally unstable man who had attempted to abduct a seven-year old boy in front of a McDonalds restaurant in Taman Kota Masai, Johor, yesterday, has been arrested.

Johor police chief Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat said in the 11.30am incident, the man in his 20s was caught at the scene by members of the public.

He said upon receiving a report, policemen from the Taman Scientax police station rushed to the location and made an arrest on the suspect.

The police also seized a Honda Dash motorcycle believed to have been used by the suspect in an attempt to kidnap the victim, he added.

"Initial investigation revealed that the victim was walking home from the Taman Scientex Religious School when he was approached by a man who coaxed him to get on the motorcycle to send him home,” Kamarul said in a statement.

He said the suspect was mentally unstable and a person with disabilities (OKU) cardholder.

The suspect, he said who was also tested positive for methamphetamine was also wanted by the police for a drug-related offence under Section 15(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.

He said the case was being investigated under Section 363 of the Penal Code which carries an imprisonment of up to seven years or a fine, if convicted.

Kamarul also advised parents, guardians and students to be more vigilant of their surroundings to prevent any untoward incidents.

The incident was recorded through a dashcam footage.

In the video which has since went viral on social media, the suspect was seen trying to flee with the victim who was clad in a religious school uniform and songkok, before members of the public came to stop him.