Nurses at Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL) are gripped with fear over the news that an Orang Minyak was on the prowl.

It is said that the man, who is covered with oil, was trying to rape nurses at the premises.

At 3am yesterday, a nurse in her 30s staying at the hostel in the hospital grounds was believed to have been raped by a man armed with a knife and whose body and face was covered with oil.

A police spokesperson said the man had entered the nurse's room in a dormitory at the hostel and threatened the woman before tying up her hands and legs. He then undressed her.

Screamed for help

He said a security guard of the hostel became aware of the nurse's predicament at 5am when he heard her screams for help.

"The guard helped free the nurse who lived alone in the room," he was quoted as saying by Bernama .

Kuala Lumpur deputy CID chief Ramli Din confirmed that the woman had lodged a report on the incident and that the case was being investigated.

According to those familiar with the legends of Orang Minyak , these are individuals who believe they will obtain magical powers by having sex with numerous virgins.