The gang of bikers did not care that there were an elderly woman and a child in the car.
They were out to terrorise the driver and his three passengers in the Singapore-registered Mercedes Benz into handing over their money and valuables.
The Singaporean family had to endure a 45-minute ordeal after they were waylaid on the congested Malaysian North-South Highway following what seemed like a staged accident when a motorcyclist hit their car.
The driver, who wanted to be known only as Mr Jay, 31, told The New Paper on Tuesday that the bikers repeatedly hit his car with their helmets and other objects, damaging the headlights and side mirrors.
They even hit the front windscreen.
The incident took place between Yong Peng and Machap in Johor, about 45 minute’s drive from Singapore, around 10pm on Oct 30.
Last Friday, TNP reported that Singaporean businessman Herman Zaidin, 31, suffered a similar ordeal when he was robbed by a gang of bikers at 11.30pm on Oct 30 after a motorcyclist hit his Mercedes-Benz from behind.
While it is not known if the same gang was behind both heists, it’s highly probable given the same method used in both incidents, which occurred about 90 minutes and 38km apart.
REPORTS
Mr Jay, an engineer, said he has reported the robbery to the Malaysian and Singapore police, with both confirming the reports.
He said his 20-year-old sister was sitting in the front passenger seat. Their aunt, who is in her 60s, was in the back with her 12-year-old adopted son.
They were returning to Singapore after a family trip to Malacca when a motorcyclist suddenly rode next to their car and kicked the side mirror on the driver’s side.
Mr Jay said he stopped the car when the rider fell.
“I was shocked,” he said.
“Suddenly, another rider came by and hit my car several times with his hands and helmet, asking me to step out. He tried to open my door but it was locked.”
Seconds later, about five motorcyclists stopped in front of his car. They ordered him to come out, but he stayed put out of fear.
Despite the heavy traffic, Mr Jay managed to drive forward in a bid to get away.
But the robbers, numbering about 10 by then, chased after him.
He saw that one of them was carrying a 1.5m wooden pole which he used to whack the already cracked windscreen, causing more damage.
Mr Jay said: “Just one more hit and the windscreen would have given way. I knew I had to step out to save my family.”
He told his sister to lock the doors immediately after he got out. The men took turns to beat him.
His sister, a student who wanted to be known only as Miss Annie, said she was so terrified that she broke down.
She told TNP: “My young cousin was also in tears. I called the Malaysian police.
“I also begged my brother not to get out but he insisted. He could have been killed.
“I felt so helpless when they beat him up, but I knew I shouldn’t get out of the car for my own safety.”
Mr Jay said the man who was carrying the pole was about to beat him with it when five motorists, who were passing by, stepped in to stop the attack.
“One of the attackers asked me to hand over my passport and RM2,000 (S$660) as compensation for causing the ‘accident’ with their friend,” he said.
“I gave them $650 and hoped they would leave us alone but they wanted my mobile phone as well. I refused to give it to them.
“Suddenly, they fled. I think they had other friends in the area who told them that the police were coming.”
The police arrived less than a minute later, and Mr Jay and his family went to Kulai Police Station to make a report. He then went to a nearby hospital for a check-up.
“I’m lucky I didn’t suffer any serious injuries. Just some pain and a few bruises here and there,” he said.
Because his car was damaged, he had to drive slowly to Woodlands Checkpoint and they cleared immigration only at around 6am the next day.
He reported the incident to the Woodlands West Neighbourhood Police Centre and had his car towed away to be repaired.Mr Jay estimated the cost of fixing his car to be about $30,000.
“I used to drive to Malaysia twice a month for leisure and to visit family. I think I’ll fly there from now,” he said.
“The attack was the most terrifying experience of my life.”
