A journalist's terrifying ordeal, confined and assaulted by several individuals

SHAH ALAM - "My body was punched and slashed, and my hands were cut."

Such is the account of an international journalist who faced a frightening experience when confined and assaulted for three days by several individuals in a house on Nov 7.

The individual, who only wishes to be known as Ahmad, stated that death felt too close to him during this harrowing experience.

"They did all sorts of things to me, punching and kicking me several times on the body, while my hands were injured with a knife.

"I felt like I was going to die at that moment, but I strengthened my spirit and tried various tactics to free myself," he told Sinar

Narrating the moments of being a victim of this criminal act, he said several individuals claiming to be police officers visited his house in Putrajaya around Nov 7.

"They claimed they needed to detain me regarding an incident involving a victim, and I trusted them because they identified themselves as police officers.

"My suspicions arose when, initially, I was told I would be taken to an office, but the opposite happened when I was handed over to several other individuals; at that moment, I realised I was in danger," he said.

He was then taken and confined to a house by the involved individuals.

"At that time, I endured dark moments when treated like that; I couldn't do anything and only pleaded to be released.

"I was forced to give an amount of RM1.9 million, but I didn't have that much money; I could only give them RM50,000 after they beat and threatened me by showing a gruesome video of an individual being beheaded," he said.

Ahmad mentioned that he attempted to escape after being taken for treatment on the second day of detention.

"After receiving treatment, I immediately ran out of that clinic, screaming for help, but no one came to assist.

"One of the suspects then chased me and successfully caught me before being taken back to the place where I was confined," he said.

Ahmad believes that the incident occurred because he had previously published articles related to crimes involving the exploitation of foreigners.

"I tried to play psychology with one of the suspects and questioned his actions, willing to conspire with foreigners just for money.

"I told him everything about the reports I had made before, and the suspect finally agreed to release me after hearing my explanation," he said.

According to him, he is grateful for his life and for his safety after the incident and appreciates the swift efforts of the police in handling his case.

"I understand that several involved individuals have been arrested; I thank the police.

"As a journalist, what I experienced is a meaningful albeit a scary experience, and anyhow, I am grateful for still being given the chance to breathe," he said.

Yesterday, Selangor Police Chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan stated that the investigation papers related to three police officers allegedly involved in extortion and kidnapping would be referred to the Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) this week.

He said that eight individuals have been interviewed regarding the crime.

He clarified that six arrests were made, involving three police officers and three civilians, while three more suspects related to this case are still being pursued.