KANGAR: A man's daylight attempt to snatch a woman's handbag was foiled by members of the public here today.

The 8.30am incident took place near a public toilet at the parking area of Medan Mahkota market.

Kangar police chief Assistant Commissioner Yusharifuddin Mohd Yusop said the 49-year-old victim was unlocking the rear door of her car when the suspect approached her on foot and grabbed her from behind before snatching her handbag.

"Realising she was being robbed, the victim screamed for help. Although the man managed to pull the bag away and flee, nearby members of the public responded to her cries and caught him not far from the scene," he said in a statement today.

Police were later alerted and the 37-year-old suspect was taken to Kangar police station for further investigation.

The victim, who suffered abrasions on both knees, later lodged a report at the same police station.

Her stolen bag contained various currencies, including RM1,000, US$250 (RM1,061.51) and 10,570 Thai Baht (RM1,384.08).

"Initial checks found the suspect hails from Perak and was working as a gardener in Kangar," Yusharifuddin said.