The incident occurred at around 6.30am at Jalan Limau Manis while the 78-year-old victim was walking to a shop.

CCTV footage showed a motorcyclist snatching her handbag, which caused her to fall onto the road.

She was sprawled motionless on the road until some concerned passersby went to her aid a few minutes later.

In a statement, Brickfields police chief Ku Mashariman Ku Mahmood said the woman was taken to University Malaya Medical Centre, where she is currently receiving treatment.

“There was significant bleeding in her head and the victim is still under medical observation,” he said.

He confirmed that a police report had been filed and an investigation has been opened under Section 394 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt during a robbery.

The section carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and whipping upon conviction.