POLICE have identified three individuals believed to be involved in the recent acid attack on a woman in Tawang, Bachok, near Kota Baharu, using footage from two functional closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at the scene.
Bachok District Police Chief Superintendent Mohamad Ismail Jamaluddin confirmed that while six cameras were installed near the location of the assault on Saturday, only two were operational.
“From the recordings, we detected the movement of three individuals — two women and one man. All three appeared to be fleeing the scene in a hurry, presumably after carrying out the attack,” he said.
Police have so far recorded statements from five witnesses and are continuing investigations, including tracing the source of the acid used.
“We inspected nine hardware stores around Bachok but found none selling high-concentration acid like that used in this case. It is likely the substance was obtained from outside the district,” he said.
Superintendent Mohamad Ismail also confirmed that police are investigating claims made by the victim that she had previously received threats involving acid being poured outside her business premises.
“We have re-recorded the victim’s statement and found that no prior police report had been lodged regarding those claims,” he added.
The case is being investigated under Section 326 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing grievous hurt using dangerous means. The offence carries a maximum jail term of 20 years, and may also attract a fine or whipping upon conviction.
The incident occurred near a convenience store in Beris Kubur Besar, Tawang, where the woman — a local trader — was doused with a corrosive liquid by an unknown assailant.
She sustained severe burns to her shoulders, back, arms, and legs but is currently in stable condition and receiving treatment at the Burns Unit of Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital (HUSM) in Kubang Kerian. - May 21, 2025
