FORMER Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) vice-chancellor Tan Sri Dzulkifli Abdul Razal fought back during a pre-dawn robbery attempt yesterday at his home in Taman Perkaka, just 2km away from the acadmeic institution he had led from 2000 to 2011.
A pharmacist by training and a former director of the National Poison Center and an alma mater of USM, Dzulkifli surprised the robber by pushing him back, and in the ensuing shuffle, he was pistol whipped and required 15 stitches when he sought treatment at the Penang Hospital.
The 75-year old showed spunk and resolute in fighting off the robber, who had attempted to force his way into his house after the former performed prayers at a nearby surau.
Despite bleeding profusely, Dzulkifli was calm throughout the ordeal.
Police reacted fast and dispatched several patrol units over to the neighbourhood.
State chief police officer Datuk Azizee Ismail said the 51-year-old suspect was picked up later and would be remanded to facilitate investigations.
Police believe that the suspect may be eyeing the place, as the robbery attempt was calculated.
In a statement shared with friends, Dzulkfli's family said his children have now returned to be with their parents and to help him to recuperate from the ordeal.
Taman Perkaka is mostly a peaceful neighbourhood, located just off from Bukit Jambul and Sungai Dua, where the main campus of USM is located.
Dzulkfili is a renowned educationist, having also served as the rector of Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (UIAM) and since his retirement, the academician and his wife, kept themselves busy attending various academia conferences and meetings up north. - October 18, 2025.
