PONTIAN, MALAYSIA: A former army personnel has been detained for the alleged rape and robbery of a 36-year-old woman.

The 29-year-old suspect had offered the woman a ride home after she arrived at the bus station here on Saturday.

Instead of sending her home, he took the woman to a nearby oil palm estate, stripped her and allegedly raped her.

He then choked and assaulted the victim before escaping with her mobile phone and some cash. When the woman, who passed out from the assault, regained consciousness, she went to a nearby police station for assistance.

The suspect was arrested at a recreational park. He has been remanded until May 26.

In another incident, quick action by members of the public prevented a petrol station owner from being robbed.

The 62-year-old man was on his way to the bank to deposit about RM19,000 when the robber, who was armed with a pistol, approached him and held him at gunpoint about 10am Tuesday.

Realising that it was a toy pistol, the victim tried to fight off the robber. Passers-by who saw the incident managed to apprehend the 52-year-old suspect and hand him to the police.

'Initial investigations revealed that the suspect is a well-known businessman in the district,' OCPD Supt Zahaliman Jamin said.

'We are looking at the possibility of revenge or personal conflict as the motive for the crime,' he said.