TAIPING: Five armed and masked robbers escaped with about RM200,000 during a heist at a hypermarket here after tying up several workers.

Acting Taiping OCPD Supt Razlam Ab Hamid said the robbers kept the bound guards at the hypermarket's loading area while they broke into the premises during the incident at about 1.05am on Tuesday (Jan 2).

"The robbers first charged at two security guards who were on patrol at the back of the hypermarket and were armed with machetes, crowbars and sharpened pipes," said Supt Razlam in a statement on Tuesday.

He added that two more security guards were tied up and brought to the loading area approximately five minutes later.

Supt Razlam said the guards managed to break free at about 4.30am and found the metal door for the staff entrance broken.

"After informing their employers, they proceeded to lodge a police report," he added.

Supt Razlam said the incident is being investigated under Section 395/397 of the Penal Code for armed gang robbery.