Family’s Frightening Escape: Gunman Carjacks Vehicle at Setia Alam Mall

A family of six endured a harrowing experience when a gunman hijacked their vehicle at the Setia City Mall in Setia Alam, Malaysia. The incident unfolded as the family, including four children, prepared to leave the mall premises on a seemingly ordinary day. The gunman, a Malaysian man in his 30s with a criminal record, boarded their vehicle in an attempt to make his escape, holding them hostage for 45 minutes.

The terrifying ordeal began as the family exited the mall after dining at a restaurant. Security personnel had ordered them to leave, and they were making their way to the parking area when the gunman appeared.

“We didn’t know what was going on, but I quickly took my family out of the mall. As we were heading to the parking area, I heard a loud bang,” said the father.

Initially mistaking the sound for a car hitting a speed bump, the father soon realized the gravity of their situation.

“At first, I thought it was just the sound of a car hitting a speed bump. But then I saw multiple vehicles speeding away. Just as we were about to get into our car, the suspect suddenly appeared and pointed a gun at us,” he recounted.

The gunman fired a shot at a wall to demonstrate that his weapon was real, further escalating the family's fear. The father pleaded with the gunman to put away the weapon for the sake of his children.

“I asked him to put away the gun so the children wouldn’t be scared,” he added.

The suspect, who has 11 previous cases mainly related to drug offenses, became agitated after being told to shift his items in the mall. In his anger, he fired shots at a cleaner before hijacking the family's vehicle. The family was forced to stop by the side of a highway as part of the suspect's escape plan.

The Setia City Mall, located approximately 40 minutes from Kuala Lumpur, became the center of an intense police operation following this incident. Authorities are actively pursuing the gunman with various units and border authorities on high alert. Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain has been briefed on the situation.