PASIR GUDANG: Police have arrested a mentally deranged man for attempting to abduct a child at a fast food restaurant in Taman Kota Masai here.

       Johor police chief Comm Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat said police received a call from a man about the incident at around 11.30am on Wednesday (May 11).

       “The suspect, in his 20s, was apprehended by bystanders at the scene after he tried to abduct a seven-year-old boy.

       “A team of police personnel on patrol nearby went to the scene immediately and arrested the suspect,” he said in a statement.

       Comm Kamarul Zaman said police also seized a motorcycle used by the suspect.

       He added that initial investigations found that the victim, who was walking back home after attending religious school, wads approached by the suspect.

       “The suspect tried to convince the victim that he could send him back home using his motorcycle but the child refused to follow him.

       “Checks on the suspect found not only that he has a disabled person card stating that he is a mental patient but is also wanted by the police for a drug offence,” he said.

       Comm Kamarul Zaman also said that the suspect, who tested positive for drugs, would be investigated under Section 363 of the Penal Code.

       He urged parents to keep a watchful eye on their children, especially their whereabouts to avoid such incidents.