A 15-year-old girl is believed to have been the victim of a robbery and rape by an unidentified man after becoming separated from her younger brother while jogging in Palekbang during the Awal Muharram public holiday on Wednesday.
The teenager was discovered by members of the public at about 11am near a bushy area, injured and in distress. She was later rushed to hospital for medical treatment.
According to the victim’s grandmother, who wished to be known only as Rokiah, the teenager had left home early that morning with her 10-year-old brother for a jog.
The 74-year-old said the siblings were believed to have become separated when the younger boy could no longer keep up with his sister during their run.
“He told me he was tired and had fallen behind. He looked for his sister but could not find her and assumed she had already returned home, so he went back by himself,” she told reporters on Thursday.
Rokiah said the family only became aware that something was wrong after receiving a phone call from the victim’s father around midday informing them that the teenager had been found near a secluded area.
The incident came as a shock to the entire family, who never imagined such a tragedy could happen to their loved one.
“We hope the person responsible will be caught and brought before the court,” she said.
The grandmother added that the family is leaving the investigation entirely in the hands of the police and hopes swift action will be taken against the suspect.
The victim, who is the second of three siblings, is currently receiving treatment at Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II in Kota Bharu.
Meanwhile, Tumpat District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Khairi Shafie confirmed that a report had been lodged regarding the incident.
He said the case is being investigated under Section 376 of the Penal Code for rape and Section 394 of the Penal Code for robbery causing hurt.
The incident has sparked concern among residents, with many calling for increased vigilance and stronger safety measures in public recreational areas to prevent similar crimes from occurring in the future.
