KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 15 — The exact motive of an attack involving a patient allegedly stabbing another patient at the Selayang Hospital, Selangor yesterday is still unascertained, police said today.

In an official statement, Selangor police’s active chief deputy commissioner Datuk S. Sasikala Devi said a 22-year-old male suspect had stabbed another 29-year-old male patient who was seated on the floor at the hospital’s Yellow Zone around 3.45pm, according to eyewitness reports.

"The suspect stabbed the victim on the right hip with a knife. The motive of the attack is still unknown,” the statement said.

Earlier, The Straits Times reported the patient became upset after being left at the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department, while waiting for a bed to become available in order for him to be admitted.

The victim sustained injuries to both sides of the abdomen and his back.

Subsequent to the attack, both the victim underwent surgery and the suspect was admitted to the hospital’s Psychiatric Ward.

The case is being investigated under Section 326 of the Penal Code for causing grievous hurt with a weapon.

The news outlet reported the patient obtained a knife from a staff pantry, before proceeding to attack the other patient, who was being treated for dengue, twice in the stomach and once in the back, causing serious injuries that require operation.

In acknowledging the incident, the Selangor health director admitted the incident had taken place at an instant.

Datuk Dr Sha’ari Ngadiman said nurses and medical officers present at the hospital took immediate action to restrain the man before handing him over to the authorities, while the victim is now in a stable condition.