IPOH: A worker hit his colleague’s head with a car jack in an attempt to rob their office hotel in Taiping near here.

The masked 22-year-old suspect even started a fire at the hotel’s housekeeping store area in bid to escape.

However, the hotel housekeeper was nabbed in the nick of time by the police.

Thirteen occupants of the hotel were led to safety, before the fire was put out.

Taiping OCPD Asst Comm Harrith Kam Abdullah said in the 5.35am incident on Monday, the suspect injured a 22-year-old employee of the hotel with a car jack.

“After hitting her on the head, the suspect stole RM1,000 from the drawer where the deposits of the hotel’s guests were kept, and moments later, he ran towards the first floor of the building.

“The suspect then started a fire at the store. There was thick, black smoke billowing from the area when police arrived,” he said.

ACP Harrith Kam said the victim was sent to the Taiping Hospital for treatment.

He said the case is being investigated for armed robbery, mischief by fire, and intentionally causing hurt under the Penal Code.-thestar