PETALING JAYA: A pregnant mother of three hid behind a counter in fear as a sword-wielding robber struck a jewellery shop in Damansara Damai yesterday.
Yani, who is in her 40s and three months pregnant, was working at the dessert shop next door when she heard a commotion.
“I heard a commotion and immediately hid behind the counter because I was frightened and did not know what was happening.
“It was only after the man had left that I heard the jewellery shop workers screaming ‘robber, robber,’ she said when met at the scene today.
Yani, who has worked at the dessert shop for just two months, said she never expected such an incident to happen there.
She eventually gathered enough courage to look outside and caught a glimpse of the suspect leaving the scene.
“He was wearing a long black raincoat, black pants and a helmet.
“What surprised me was that he was not running. He was just walking away,” she said.
Yani said it all happened within minutes.
She said she later spoke to workers at the jewellery shop and learnt that the robber had been armed with a sharp object resembling a samurai sword, measuring between two and three feet long.
“The workers told me he had dropped the weapon inside the shop before leaving.
“However, he was still waving what appeared to be the sword’s sheath as he walked away,” she said.
Yani believed the suspect targeted the jewellery shop because security was inadequate.
“There was no security guard on duty at the shop. Perhaps that was why he chose this particular outlet.
“I also believe he deliberately chose to strike during Friday prayers because there would be fewer people around at that time,” she said.
Meanwhile, supermarket employee Lim, 51, said he saw the suspect leaving while he was collecting shopping trolleys.
He said the man was fully covered and wore a face mask and helmet, making it difficult to identify him.
“I saw the man leave, but I could not see his face because it was completely covered.
“I could not intervene because I recently suffered a stroke. I was also worried that he might harm me,” he said.
District police chief Assistant Commissioner Shamsudin Mamat said investigators had recorded statements from employees of the jewellery shop and several other witnesses to assist in the investigation.
“Efforts are also underway to analyse closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage to determine the suspect’s escape route after leaving the premises,” he said.
Police are continuing efforts to track down the suspect.
It was reported that the suspect fled with over RM300,000 in jewellery.
“An investigation paper has been opened under Sections 392 and 397 of the Penal Code, while efforts are underway to track down the suspect,” he said.
Those with information can contact the nearest police station or the Petaling Jaya district police headquarters at 03-7966 2222.