Malaysian businessman and philanthropist Datuk Dr Vinod Sekhar was assaulted and robbed on a London street recently, but the swift intervention of his wife reportedly forced the attackers to flee.

Sekhar, who leads the Petra Group, shared on social media that the attack took place outside his daughter’s apartment near Battersea Power Station after he and his family had spent the afternoon in Oxford.

According to his account, as he exited his car, two unidentified men rushed him, striking him on the chest and thighs, and forcibly removing his wristwatch.

He said his post-transplant medication, which requires him to take blood thinners, limited his ability to fight back.

The situation turned when his wife, Winny Yeap, intervened, swinging her bag and shouting at the assailants.

Sekhar described her reaction as that of a “lioness” — her sudden confrontation unnerved the attackers, who then mounted electric bikes (Lime bikes) and fled the scene.

London’s Metropolitan Police arrived a few minutes later. One responding officer reportedly told Sekhar he was lucky — had he persisted in resisting, the situation might have escalated to a more dangerous outcome.

While the injuries were described as minor bruising and light bleeding, Sekhar said the wounds appeared more severe because of his blood-thinning medication.

In his post, he urged visitors and locals alike to avoid ostentatious displays of wealth and to prioritise personal safety over material possessions.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Sekhar contrasted the London attack with life in his base city of Kuala Lumpur, calling it a safer and more welcoming environment despite its imperfections.

He also emphasized that while valuables can be stolen, lives and loved ones cannot.

As investigations continue, Sekhar’s case has drawn attention to broader concerns about personal safety in major world cities and the unpredictable dangers even high-profile individuals may face.