A municipal council enforcement officer was assaulted by a group of men believed to be selling illegal cigarettes while carrying out patrol duties at the Batu 8 market area, Sandakan, Sabah on Saturday.
Sandakan police chief George Abd Rakman said the incident occurred after the officer reprimanded a man who was allegedly selling duty-free cigarettes openly in the area.
He said the situation escalated into an argument before several unidentified individuals attacked the officer at about 2.30pm.
“An argument broke out after the officer reprimanded the suspect, and the victim was subsequently assaulted by several unknown individuals,” he said.
Police have since identified several individuals believed to be involved in the incident, with one suspect already arrested to assist in the investigation.
Assault Video Circulates Online
A video recording of the assault has since been widely circulated on social media, drawing public attention to the incident.
Authorities are currently investigating the case while working to identify and track down the remaining suspects involved in the attack.
Council Condemns Violence
Meanwhile, Walter Kenson, president of the Sandakan Municipal Council, strongly condemned the assault and said legal action would be taken against those responsible.
“The violent actions carried out by a group of illegal cigarette sellers are unacceptable,” he said.
He also reminded the public that selling illegal cigarettes is an offence under the law and warned that enforcement operations would continue to curb such activities.
The incident has highlighted the risks faced by enforcement officers during routine patrols, particularly when dealing with illegal trade activities in public areas.
