Kota Setar district police chief ACP Mohd Rozi Jidin said in the 4pm incident, the 31-year-old suspect was severely injured in the face, ears, body and legs, believed to have been punched and kicked by the members of the public.

“The woman was said to have come out of the toilet before the suspect pushed her back inside and locked the door behind them.

“The suspect was said to have covered the woman’s mouth and punched her in the face and abdomen when she tried to fight back,” Rozi said in a statement here today.

He said the woman’s screams caused the suspect to panic and he tried to flee the scene, but he was apprehended and beaten by members of the public nearby.

Rozi said the suspect was handed over to the police before being taken to Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital for medical treatment.

“The suspect, who sustained severe bodily injuries, has fallen into a coma and is now in critical condition,” he said.

Following the incident, which had also gone viral on social media, the suspect’s sister lodged a report at the Langgar police station, demanding a thorough investigation into the incident.

Rozi said police were in the midst of investigating the case and those involved were required to come forward to give their statements.