JOHOR BAHRU – Founder of Oriental Kopi, Dato Calvin Chan, has described his staff’s swift response in foiling a snatch theft at the AEON Bukit Indah outlet yesterday as a rare display of instinctive courage and responsibility.
Recounting the tense moment, Calvin said the incident unfolded in a matter of seconds while customers were dining, when a man believed to be posing as if he was on a phone call approached from behind and grabbed a handbag belonging to an elderly woman.
“It all happened so quickly. The suspect walked towards the back of the restaurant, pretending to be on the phone, and in a split second, he took the bag from behind the auntie.
“Most people wouldn’t even realise what had happened until it was too late,” he said.
However, what followed, he said, was something that stood out beyond the incident itself the immediate and unhesitating reaction of his team on the ground.
“What really struck me was that there was no pause, no second thought. Several of our colleagues reacted instantly.
“They didn’t wait for instructions, they didn’t look around they just ran after him,” he said.
According to him, the staff’s quick thinking and coordination ultimately led to the suspect being stopped before he could escape, with the bag successfully recovered in full.
“In that moment, everything was moving fast, but their response was even faster. They managed to catch up with the suspect and recover the bag.
“That’s not something you can train overnight it comes from instinct and a strong sense of responsibility,” he added.
Calvin said the most emotional part of the incident came when the handbag was returned to the victim, who was visibly shaken but relieved.
“When the bag was handed back to her, you could see the relief on her face. That moment really stayed with us. It reminded us why what our team did mattered not just stopping a crime, but restoring a sense of safety to someone who was clearly distressed,” he said.
Reflecting further, he said the actions of his staff went beyond basic duty and highlighted a deeper culture within the organisation.
“In today’s world, many people might choose to stay out of trouble or avoid getting involved. But our team chose differently.
“They felt that this was something that couldn’t be allowed to happen right in front of them,” he said.
He added that such courage, while not often highlighted, plays an important role in shaping public confidence in everyday spaces.
“It may seem like a small incident to some, but for the victim, it means everything. And for the public, it sends a strong message that there are still people willing to step up when it matters,” he said.
Calvin also took the opportunity to express his appreciation to the staff involved, describing their actions as something worth remembering and recognising.
“This wasn’t about heroics or recognition. It was about doing what was right in that moment. And that kind of courage is rare it deserves to be acknowledged,” he said.
The incident was earlier shared by the company via social media, accompanied by images and video footage showing the sequence of events and the staff’s intervention.
While the situation was brought under control without further harm, Calvin reminded the public to remain vigilant, noting that such crimes can happen in an instant.
“No matter how safe a place may seem, we should always be mindful of our surroundings. Keep your belongings close, stay alert because peace of mind comes from being aware,” he said. -MalayaDailyToday
