A heated disagreement over potential customers is believed to be the catalyst behind a physical altercation involving several individuals at a tourism booth in Jesselton Point on Sunday morning. The incident, which occurred at approximately 10:30 am, involved employees from two rival travel agencies and escalated quickly into a violent confrontation. Footage of the brawl, lasting about 45 seconds, has since circulated widely across social media platforms, drawing significant public attention.
Kota Kinabalu District Police Chief, Superintendent Syed Lot Syed Ab Rahman, confirmed that the authorities have received official reports regarding the disturbance. Preliminary investigations suggest that the friction began when staff members from the competing firms began quarrelling over the solicitation of tourists. This verbal dispute turned physical, leading to a chaotic scene where chairs were used as projectiles, causing collateral damage to property owned by other vendors at the popular waterfront location.
Following the commotion, a police report was lodged by a booth operator whose property was damaged during the fight. The complainant stated that the report was necessary for safety reasons and to clarify the situation to the public to prevent further misunderstandings. Interestingly, none of the primary participants directly involved in the physical exchange have come forward to file their own police reports at this time.
In response to the viral video and the formal complaint, the police have initiated a criminal investigation under Section 147 of the Penal Code for rioting. Superintendent Syed Lot noted that law enforcement agencies are currently working to track down and identify the specific individuals captured in the footage. He emphasised that the authorities take such disruptions to public order seriously, especially in high-traffic tourist areas.
The police have also issued a stern advisory to the general public and local business operators to refrain from engaging in any acts that disturb civic peace. Superintendent Syed Lot reminded all parties to adhere strictly to the law and resolve commercial disputes through proper channels rather than resorting to violence. The investigation remains ongoing as officers gather more evidence from witnesses and surveillance recordings at the scene.
