SEREMBAN, May 17 — Outrage is growing over the alleged incompetence of police in arresting criminals who are terrorising people in Jalan Yam Tuan and its surrounding areas.
The anger also stems from concerns Jalan Yam Tuan, dubbed a holy stretch as it houses three major places of worship along the 2km street in the heart of town, has been turned into a race track.
The vicious attack on the two nuns at the Church of the Visitation located in Jalan Yam Tuan on Wednesday was an incident waiting to happen.
While police said no reports had been lodged on crimes in the area, locals said the authorities should not wait for reports to be made before taking action.
Residents claim that over the past few months, snatch thefts and muggings have been on the rise but police had not taken any action.
“The town has expanded over the years and business is booming. Shops, banks and other premises being set up in the area are also attracting criminals,” said Chan Kai Meng, 63.
“I have lived here for over 40 years and the changes are not all good.”
Chan said it was easy for criminals to target their victims in Jalan Yam Tuan as it was a busy street.
“The biggest problem is there are many roads and it is easy for criminals to enter and exit the area on their motorcycles.”
Even a police officer with the mobile patrol vehicle unit at the Seremban police headquarters told Malay Mail he once witnessed a mugging during his rounds.
“The suspect was on a motorcycle and I immediately gave chase but he went missing in less than one minute due to the road system in the area.”
The policeman, who requested anonymity, said muggings usually happened at t
raffic light junctions.
Another resident, P. Kumutha Malar, 47, said whenever residents and traders shared their horror stories, the description of the suspect was usually the same.
“We believe there are two suspects preying on church-goers and joggers. They are tall, dark-skinned and usually strike between 7.30am and 11.30am,” she said.
She added the criminals had also been targeting petty traders and hawkers as they were the earliest to enter town daily.
“There have been several cases of hawkers and shop operators being robbed.”
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Bakri Zinin said a team had been set up to investigate the robbery and assault involving Sister Juliana Lim, 68, and Sister Marie-Rose, 79.
Church caretakers found Juliana and Marie-Rose unconscious at the entrance of the church at 6.30am on Wednesday.
Investigations revealed that the assailant was 170cm tall, with a small built and wore a full-faced helmet. He had used another helmet to assault the nuns.
The assailant had first attacked Marie- Rose but turned on Juliana after she started screaming.
