Besut district police chief Supt Mohd Zamri Mohd Rowi said in the 3.15am incident, the 29-year-old victim, Ahmad Taufik Che Daud from Bachok, Kelantan, was on his way from Kuala Lumpur to his hometown in Bachok.

“He was resting alone at the petrol station when three men in a yellow Perodua Myvi approached him. One of the suspects came straight to the victim and slashed his hand using the machete.

“The suspects then fled the scene and drove away with the victim’s car. The victim was left alone there before members of the public came to help and took him to the Besut Hospital for treatment,” he told reporters here today.

Zamri said the victim, who sustained injuries on his forehead, at the back of his head and on his right thumb and right arm, had lodged a report at the Jerteh police station after receiving treatment.

The case is being investigated under Section 394 of the Penal Code and the police are intensifying the search for the suspects, he added.