M'sia man, 39, arrested in JB for allegedly attacking girl, 12, with metal hammer

A 39-year-old Malaysian man has been arrested for allegedly attacking a 12-year-old girl with a metal hammer.

According to Malay Mail, the incident took place at the Ungku Tun Aminah flats in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, on Jul. 26.

Video of the incident went viral on social media

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage of the alleged assault has been widely circulated online.

The video showed the suspect loitering in the lobby before moving out of the camera's frame.

Three other children were also visible in the video, but they did not appear to be involved in the assault.

While the actual moment of the assault was not captured, screams can be heard shortly after and the suspect was captured fleeing the scene.

The victim then walked out and was seen engaging with the three children before entering the lift.

Inside the lift, the victim was captured on video running her hand over the back of her head, her palm visibly smeared with blood.

Victim suffered head and hand injuries

Johor Bahru North police chief Assistant Commissioner Balveer Singh stated that the victim was rushed to Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Bahru and is currently in a stable condition, Malay Mail reported.

He added that she had suffered lacerations to her head and swelling on her right hand due to the attack.

Suspect has been arrested

Balveer said that the victim's parent lodged a police report regarding the attack at 5:19pm on the same day, New Straits Times (NST) reported.

Following the report, the suspect was arrested in his residence about two hours later.

Balveer added that further investigation found that the suspect had a history of criminal and drug-related offences.

He also tested positive for methamphetamine.

The case is currently being investigated under Section 324 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means.

The suspect has been remanded till Aug. 2 to assist with the investigations.

If convicted, the suspect may face up to 10 years in prison, or a fine, or caning, or any two of the punishments listed.

Balveer also urged the public to refrain from taking matters into their own hands or spreading unverified information.

Top photos via Community Roda Johor/Facebook