The fatal altercation that claimed the life of a man in Taman Rishah, Buntong last Monday is not linked to any racial issue, but instead believed to involve a group conflict, said Perak police.
Perak Police Chief Noor Hisam Nordin clarified that early investigations showed the incident was a gang-related fight rather than an issue involving ethnicity. He stressed that the case remains under active investigation and urged the public to avoid speculation.
“This is not a racial issue, but a group fight. Investigations are still ongoing and we cannot disclose too much information at this stage. The case is sensitive and must be reported accurately as it does not involve race,” he said during a press conference on Tuesday.
He added that one local man, aged 23 and working as a car rental premises caretaker, has been remanded for seven days to assist investigations. Authorities are currently working to gather further leads through interrogation and ongoing inquiries.
Police also confirmed that two friends of the victim, who were injured in the incident, are receiving treatment at Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun (HRPB) in Ipoh and are in stable condition. Their statements are expected to assist investigators in piecing together the sequence of events.
In the incident at around 11.10pm, a 25-year-old man was reportedly fatally slashed with a sharp weapon after a group of suspects stormed a car rental premises where the victim and his friends were present. The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder, as well as Sections 326 and 148 for causing grievous hurt and rioting.
Separately, Noor Hisam said the Seminar on Strengthening School Liaison Officers (PPS), jointly organised by the Criminal Investigation and Community Safety Department and the state Education Department, is part of efforts to enhance crime prevention among students. A total of PPS officers have been appointed across 1,104 primary and secondary schools in Perak to act as a bridge between schools and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).
He noted that disciplinary and criminal issues among students have become increasingly concerning, stressing that early prevention is key in avoiding more serious incidents in the future.
