A 27-year-old woman suffered chemical burns after being doused with acid by a group of individuals wearing niqabs at her spa in Beris Kubur Besar, Tawang, Bachok, on Sunday night.
A niqab is a long garment worn by some Muslim women in order to cover their entire body and face, excluding their eyes.
The incident, which occurred at approximately 8.30pm, left the victim in need of surgery. She had been attending to her seven-year-old child at the spa while her husband remained at home caring for their infant.
According to the 33a long garment worn by some Muslim women in order to cover their entire body and face, excluding their eyes.-year-old husband, the assailants had contacted his wife earlier under the pretence of booking a massage.
“She told me that three or four people arrived wearing niqabs. When she opened the door, they splashed her with acid without saying a word,” he said.
Fortunately, the victim—who was dressed in a prayer robe at the time—managed to dodge the worst of the assault. The acid struck her back and shoulder, causing significant injury.
“I rushed to the spa and took her immediately to the Universiti Sains Malaysia Specialist Hospital for treatment,” he added.
He said the spa had only been operating for a year, making it difficult to identify potential suspects.
“I’m not certain how serious her injuries are, but I hope she remains strong through this ordeal,” he said.
Bachok District Police Chief Superintendent Mohamad Ismail Jamaluddin confirmed that the suspect had arranged a massage appointment before carrying out the attack and fleeing the scene.
“Further inspection at the site uncovered four fingerprint traces and a container believed to have been used in the incident,” he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 326 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing grievous hurt using dangerous substances.
Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact the Tawang Police Station or the Criminal Investigation Division of the Bachok District Police Headquarters. - May 18, 2025
