Should 1Malaysia mob justice meted out to would-be foreign thief, kidnapper be made a norm?

Focus Malaysia

3 days ago

THE viral video of a theft followed by an attempted hostage taking of an infant while the thief was trying to escape has caught the attention of local online community with many hailing the bravery of Malaysian bystanders in foiling the criminal.
For instance, Effi the Source Sharahuddin (@10befiend) observed that the Vietnamese criminal got what he deserved after being set upon by a local mob – not for the attempted theft but for trying to snatch an infant from a woman's arms while making a run for it.
LMAO. Kantol mencuri then tried to kidnap a kid as hostage. End up kena lanyak 1Malaysia. Mantap 🇲🇾🫡👍 pic.twitter.com/XS5L3lqbe0
— Effi The Source Saharudin (@1Obefiend) August 10, 2025
Make no mistake, this was no random petty theft as the assailant was armed with a knife as well.
The violent criminal was overpowered by several local heroes and handed over to the police.
According to The Star which cited Seberang Perai Utara police chief ACP Anuar Abd Rahman, the 36-year-old Vietnamese security guard will be remanded until tomorrow (Aug 13) to facilitate investigations under Section 380 of the Penal Code for theft, Section 324 for causing hurt and Section 506 for criminal intimidation.
More than a few commenters commended the bravery of local bystanders in preventing the felon from making a getaway, especially with a hostage in tow.
The multi-racial composition of the local crew that overpowered the assailant was also highlighted by a few. One commenter gleefully noted that it was joint 1Malaysia effort to foil the foreign criminal.
The bravery of the supermarket's staff member (where the incident took place) was also commended for his bravery as images show him sustaining cuts from the scuffle.
Some observers noted the somewhat passive nature of the foreigner security guards. They seemed rather clueless and were of little help in overpowering the armed kidnapper.
Some made light-hearted observations of the action-packed video. For instance, the use of potato chip container to beat on the head of the foreign felon. One commenter wondered if this was a staged advert for Mister Potato!
One eagle-eyed observer noted one shopper's casual nonchalance over the unfolding drama.
Using a meme to denote a thoroughly unimpressed person, one commenter empathised with the supermarket staff who is responsible for arranging the display items.
One commenter noted that this was how a person lets off steam. He added that it was foolish of the Vietnamese man to escalate a theft case to a much more serious crime of attempted kidnapping.
But there is absolutely nothing mirthful about attempted kidnapping. One shudders to think what would have happened if those good Samaritans did not step in, especially when the shoplifter made a grab for the child.
Your efforts are appreciated, hailed one grateful commenter. – Aug 12, 2025