Six students aged between 13 and 16 have been detained for allegedly rioting and assaulting another student in an incident near the Pahang Islamic Religious Council office in Pekan on Tuesday.
The incident, which occurred at about 5pm, left a 13-year-old victim with injuries to his right cheek. Authorities said the altercation stemmed from a dispute believed to be linked to an outstanding debt, highlighting how minor conflicts among youths can quickly escalate into violence.
Pekan District Police Chief, Superintendent Mohd Zaidi Mat Zin, said the victim had gone to a hut at the location to meet one of the suspects regarding the issue. A heated argument reportedly broke out before a 14-year-old student pushed, punched and kicked the victim.
He added that several other teenagers present at the scene joined in the ആക്രമ, further assaulting the victim. The incident was witnessed by members of the public and recorded on video, which later spread widely on social media.
Following the assault, the victim sought medical examination and treatment at Hospital Pekan. Police acted swiftly on information received and detained all six suspects at the Pekan District Police Headquarters at around 1.30am on Wednesday.
All suspects were later released on police bail as investigations continue under Sections 147 and 507D of the Penal Code. The case has also sparked broader concerns about student behaviour and the influence of peer pressure in escalating confrontations among young individuals.
A 1-minute and 12-second video of the incident had earlier gone viral online, drawing public attention and calls for stricter measures to address youth violence.
