Police have been placed on alert for two men who have been attacking people in Kuala Lumpur with an acid-like liquid, officials said today.

City criminal investigations chief Ku Chin Wah said police have increased patrols and security precautions to hunt down the two men.

More than 20 women and children have fallen victim to the suspects, who randomly ride past their victims on a motorcycle as they splash a corrosive liquid.

Ku said while most of the victims were women, schoolchildren have also become targets.

A 1-year-old was among five people who became the latest victims at the weekend.

Twenty-two attacks have been reported since February, Ku said.

All the victims have suffered burns and scars with one victim almost losing sight in one eye.

Police said the attacks and the victims appeared to have been made at random and urged people to take precautions while waiting at bus stops or walking in deserted areas in the city.

- dpa