Melaka: A young female factory operator was injured in her lower back after being attacked with a sharp object by an unidentified man while riding pillion on a motorcycle along Jalan Tangga Batu yesterday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Melaka Tengah district police chief ACP Christopher Patit reported receiving information about the incident at approximately 4.45 pm. The 18-year-old victim, employed at a factory in Tanjung Kling, was taken to Melaka Hospital for treatment and is currently in stable condition.

The incident occurred as the victim was on her way home to Batu Sembilan, Tangga Batu, riding pillion on a motorcycle with her sister-in-law, who also works at the same factory. Preliminary findings revealed that the victim’s 21-year-old sister-in-law did not notice anyone following them before the incident occurred. The teenager suddenly complained of pain in her lower back, prompting them to stop by the roadside.

Following the incident, the victim’s sister-in-law observed a dark blue Yamaha LC V8 motorcycle, ridden by a man in a dark jacket and blue helmet, speeding away from the scene. Christopher stated that the doctor’s assessment indicated that the long tear marks on the victim’s shirt and her injuries were consistent with being slashed by a sharp object.

Investigations revealed that the victim, originally from Tangkak, Johor, had moved to Melaka about three weeks ago to work at the factory. She had not been involved in any disputes or known to have any contacts in the state. The case is currently being investigated under Section 326 of the Penal Code.