In his haste to flee the crime scene, a snatch thief in Tumpat, Kelantan, pedaled his bicycle vigorously. But his attire or rather lack of it foiled his escape bid.

The 36-year-old man was then caught by villagers when his sarong came undone in mid flight.

According to a Harian Metro report, villagers rushed to the scene after hearing the victim scream for help.

The suspect had snatched the victim’s bag, containing RM200 in case and a mobile phone, as she was riding on a motorcycle around 8.30am yesterday.

A photograph showing the suspect in a semi-nude state nursing an injured nose and mouth has gone viral on the social media.

Meanwhile, Tumpat police chief Zaharuddin Rasip said the unemployed man from Kampung Bukit Payong was injured during his capture.

"He was caught not far from the location where he snatched the victim's bag and was injured in the struggle with the villagers while escaping," he added.