THE unsuspecting restaurant owner was minding his own business when he was waylaid by two thugs on a motorcycle.

Before he could react, one of the two motorcyclists swung a parang at him and hacked off his right arm.

Stunned, he watched motionless as one of the men reached down and picked up his severed arm from the ground.

The two men then fled on their motorcycle, driving several kilometres away from the scene before tossing the arm, reported China Press.

The attack took place at about 8pm on Sunday along Ampang Road in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The injured man, who gave his name only as Mr Madu, 45, was taken to the Kuala Lumpur General Hospital.

Fortunately for him, a passerby spotted the bloodied arm in the undergrowth and rushed it to the hospital in time.

Mr Madu and his recovered limb were then transferred to the Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital.

Doctors there carried out an eight-hour long operation to re-attach the arm.

The surgery was successful and Mr Madu is currently in stable condition.

He has to remain warded for observation.

It is understood that the businessman, who is originally from India, had settled in Malaysia many years ago.

The police are investigating the matter after receiving a call to their emergency hotline reporting station.

They have taken the victim's statement so as to ascertain the motive for the attack, and are on the trail of the suspects.

This article was first published in The New Paper.