A 62-year-old Chinese woman who suffered severe burns after allegedly being attacked and set on fire at a betting outlet in Kuala Lumpur is undergoing her third surgery, with doctors reportedly estimating her chances of survival at only 20%.
DAP Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory Complaints Bureau chief Lai Chun Kuang told China Press that the victim remains in critical condition due to the severity of her burns and is currently undergoing another operation.
He said the surgery carries extremely high risks, while the woman remains in an induced coma and relies on a ventilator to breathe.
“Her family has accepted the devastating news and, despite their grief, has decided to release detailed CCTV footage showing the moments surrounding the attack.
“They are appealing to anyone with information to come forward and help identify the perpetrator,” he said.
The attack occurred at around 7am on August 9 at a betting outlet in the Kepong area. The victim, identified as Madam Yan, was preparing to open the premises when a man allegedly approached her in a suspicious manner.
She reportedly tried to escape into an office after becoming frightened, but the suspect allegedly threw petrol over her before setting her alight, leaving her engulfed in flames.
The suspect fled immediately after the attack. Employees from a nearby coffee shop reportedly rushed over and used a fire extinguisher to put out the flames, but the victim had already suffered burns covering around 50% of her body and was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment.
Suspect May Really Have A Limp
Lai said speculation had surfaced online that the suspect may have deliberately pretended to limp in an attempt to confuse investigators.
While this has yet to be confirmed, he said the suspect’s movements while fleeing appeared to indicate that he may genuinely have had a limp.
The RM5,000 reward previously offered for information leading to the suspect’s arrest remains in place until the perpetrator is caught.
The family is now urging members of the public who may recognise the suspect or have information about the attack to come forward, as the investigation continues.
Police are investigating the case under Section 326 of the Penal Code, relating to voluntarily causing grievous hurt using a dangerous weapon or means.
