MALACCA, Malaysia: Leaving his two children in his Toyota Camry with its engine still running proved to be a costly mistake for a businessman.

A man got behind the wheel and drove away with them. And for almost one hour, the businessman, in his 30s, could only pray for the safety of his 8-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter.

The businessman, identified only as Khoo, had gone to see his new house in Taman Muzaffar Shah in Ayer Keroh with his three children at about 6pm on Sunday.

According to police, Khoo, who is from Ayer Keroh Heights, reached his new house and noticed that his two younger children were sleeping.

"He left the car engine running and took his other child to inspect the renovation works being carried out on his house.

"While in the house, Khoo heard his car being driven away. He tried to give chase on foot but the suspect sped off with the two children sound asleep in the back seat.

An hour later, Khoo received an anonymous call informing him that his children had been found in a housing estate in Seremban.

"Khoo and his family members then rushed to Seremban and were reunited with his children about 8pm.

"The children looked calm and were not crying when they were found," said the police spokesman, adding that the thief had fled with the car. -NST