Police in Penang have arrested 10 more local men in a series of raids across the state and Selangor in connection with an armed brawl outside SJK(C) Kong Min Second Branch in Ayer Itam on Aug 29.
The latest arrests bring the total number of suspects detained in connection with the case to 23.
Penang police chief Datuk Dennis Lim said the latest arrests were made following intelligence gathering and further investigations after 13 suspects were initially detained.
He said the raids and arrests were carried out from Aug 30 until Friday, with all 10 latest suspects being Malaysian men aged between 19 and 56.
“The latest development brings the total number of arrests to 23 so far,” he said in a statement on Friday.
Police had previously confirmed that the armed brawl was believed to have stemmed from a misunderstanding linked to a debt dispute and involved a group associated with the name Geng 04.
Investigations found that the debt was not related to illegal moneylending activities.
Dennis said the incident, which occurred at about 2.45am, involved three local men aged between 17 and 25.
“Two victims were attacked with weapons while another was hit by a car,” he said.
Preliminary investigations found that the incident was believed to have resulted from a dispute over a debt after several individuals met at a food court in Paya Terubong.
Police have since opened two investigation papers into the incident.
The first is being investigated under Sections 148, 326 and 120B of the Penal Code, while the second is being investigated under Sections 307, 148 and 120B.
“Both investigation papers will be completed before being referred to the Deputy Public Prosecutor for further instructions,” Dennis said.
He added that police would step up intelligence gathering, patrols, monitoring and targeted operations to curb group fights and violent crime.
The public was also urged not to take matters into their own hands or resort to violence when settling disputes.
Parents and guardians were advised to monitor their children’s social circles and activities to prevent them from becoming involved in criminal activities.
Those with information about the incident can contact investigating officers Inspector Nurul Izzati Rohim at 013-4092884 or Inspector Mohamad Izhar Mohammad Sharifuddin at 016-9896944, or approach the nearest police station.
Dennis also urged the public not to speculate or circulate the identities of any minors involved in the case.
