A disturbing incident at a Malacca supermarket has sparked anger and concern among parents after a mentally ill man harassed a young girl in public. The victim’s mother, Amanda Tan, recounted the terrifying experience on social media, where her detailed account has gone viral, igniting a fierce debate about public safety and institutional responsibility.
On the evening of December 19, Amanda Tan took her two daughters shopping when the incident occurred. After making a purchase, her eldest daughter requested to use the restroom near the children’s play area. While escorting her daughters back, a strange man approached and suddenly hugged her eldest daughter. To make matters worse, he casually remarked, “Jom enjoy la!” as if his behavior were normal.
Acting swiftly, the mother pulled her daughter away and yelled at the man, who immediately walked off. With two children in tow, she asked for help from nearby staff but was only directed to the customer service counter. Instead of taking immediate action, the staff handed her a complaint form to fill out.
Frustrated by the inaction, Amanda returned home to ensure her daughters’ safety before going back to the supermarket. Shockingly, she found the man sitting nearby, leisurely drinking water. Furious, she called her husband and brother to confront him. Amanda expressed her deep frustration, noting how the incident left her eldest daughter traumatized and crying.
Comments on Amanda’s viral post revealed that this man has been seen loitering in the same supermarket for over a decade, reportedly eating and showering there. Another parent shared a similar experience, stating that their six-year-old daughter had been hugged by the same individual at the same location.
The incident has raised serious questions about public safety in shopping malls, especially for families with children. Many netizens have called for immediate action to place the man in a mental health facility, stressing that while mental illness warrants empathy, it cannot justify behavior that endangers others.
Parents are now urging mall management to implement stricter safety measures, including the presence of security personnel, to prevent such incidents. Public spaces must prioritize the safety of families and take appropriate steps to protect children from such traumatic experiences.
As the conversation grows online, parents are reminded to stay vigilant in public spaces and advocate for stronger protections for children. This incident underscores the urgent need for proper handling of individuals with mental health conditions, ensuring both their well-being and the safety of the public.
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