By Aida Aziz
GERIK: Police have confirmed receiving two reports regarding the attempted kidnappings of two teenage girls using vans on different dates along the road near the cemetery in Kampung Padang here.
According to Perak Deputy Police Chief, Deputy Commissioner Zulkafli Sariaat, the first incident occurred on Monday, while the second took place the following day, October 22. (yesterday)
He stated that the Gerik District Police Headquarters received the two reports on Wednesday.
“The first incident happened on October 21 around 6:45 a.m. when a 14-year-old girl was riding her bicycle on her way to school.
“A gray van stopped in front of her, while another white van with a registration number from a neighboring country edged in on her right side.
“The vans followed her until they reached the road in front of the Kampung Padang cemetery.
“At that moment, a woman who was known to the girl witnessed the incident and called out to her. This action caused both vans to leave the area,” he said in a statement here today.
Zulkafli reported that the second incident occurred yesterday around 3:20 p.m.
It was understood that a 14-year-old girl was walking home from school to her house in Kampung Padang at the time.
“She was approached by a white van with a registration number from a neighboring country, and her school bag was grabbed.
“She was also dragged to the ground in the vicinity of the Kampung Padang cemetery by two unknown men wearing masks.
“The girl was rescued by her brother, who arrived at the scene and kicked one of the suspects. Both suspects fled in the van,” he added.
In light of these incidents, he stated that further investigations regarding the two reports are ongoing.
Additionally, police have increased patrols in schools, villages, and areas that may be prone to criminal activity.
“Parents or guardians are advised to pay more attention to their children’s safety by escorting them to and from school.
“This is to prevent any unwanted incidents. Parents and guardians should also advise their children not to follow or approach strangers,” he said.
He also mentioned that efforts to locate witnesses and suspects are actively underway.
The police are urging anyone with information regarding these incidents to come forward at the nearest police station to assist with the investigation.
