A motorcyclist splashed a female motorist with liquid in Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur today, causing the woman to initially reel in shock as she thought it was acid.

Fortunately, the liquid merely caused an itch.

The motorcyclist sped from the scene in the incident which occurred in Section 10, when the woman, in her 30s, was lowering the window of her car.

Federal logistics department director Zulkifli Abdullah, whose previous designation as Kuala Lumpur police chief ended on Wednesday, confirmed the liquid merely caused itchiness.

"(Nevertheless) we are checking whether the incident is connected to the 22 acid-splashing incidents which have become quite rampant (in the Klang Valley), of late," he said.

Zulkifli was speaking to reporters after attending the media-police shooting competition at the Police Training Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

He said although the police had a rough description of the culprit behind the acid-splashing cases, thorough investigations needed to be carried out.

"We are still analysing the closed-circuit television camera recordings," he said, adding that those responsible for such activities would face a heavy penalty.

The shooting competition, involving 89 media practitioners and about 50 policemen, was aimed at fostering closer relationship between both parties.

Meanwhile, Zulkifli hoped the strategic plans developed to reduce the crime rate in the capital would continue to be implemented.

"I now have a bigger responsibility because the logistics department is important in ensuring police personnel are equipped with adequate equipment and facilities to strengthen the force," he added.

- Bernama