Malaysian Arrested in Batam for Alleged Armed Carjacking With Airsoft Pistol

A 41-year-old Malaysian man from Melaka has been arrested in Batam, Indonesia, after allegedly robbing a woman at gunpoint with an airsoft pistol, stealing her car and injuring a police officer while trying to escape last Friday.

Sinar Harian reported that he allegedly threatened the 48-year-old woman with the pistol and a knife before fleeing in her Toyota Rush, with valuables worth about 292 million rupiah (RM73,000).

Malaysian Faces Up to Nine Years in Prison Over Alleged Batam Robbery

Barelang Police CID chief Commissioner Tri Poerbowo said the suspect entered Indonesia on 15 September for a holiday but overstayed by 10 days after running out of money. He allegedly planned a random robbery to pay for his journey home.

The victim had just paid her vehicle road tax and withdrawn cash at an ATM at Harbour Bay. The suspect allegedly got into the passenger seat, pointed his weapon at her and ordered her to drive to Bukit Senyum.

In a residential development, he forced her to transfer money online to his account. When she screamed for help, he allegedly panicked, pushed her out and drove off.

A nearby traffic police officer chased and intercepted the car. The suspect allegedly pointed the pistol at the officer and rammed him, leaving him injured. Police said he bought the pistol for one million rupiah from an apartment security guard, who is also detained. If convicted under Article 365, he faces up to nine years in prison.