Police have arrested 14 male students aged between 12 and 14 to assist investigations into a fight involving a group of students allegedly using weapons at a playground in Taman Ambar, Jalan Kuhara, Tawau, on Monday.
Tawau District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Rosdi Mat Jusoh said the students were detained by the Criminal Investigation Division of the Tawau District Police Headquarters yesterday.
He said police received a report about the incident at 6pm on Monday. Initial investigations found that the fight allegedly started following a misunderstanding between two students before several others became involved.
Rosdi added that a viral video of the incident had helped investigators identify the individuals involved and determine their respective roles.
Police also seized a mobile phone and a black bicycle believed to be connected to the case.
The case is being investigated under Section 148 of the Penal Code, which concerns rioting while armed with a deadly weapon, and Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
Rosdi said investigations were ongoing to establish the involvement and roles of each individual detained. Police are also seeking the original video footage and recording statements from those involved, including witnesses.
Investigators are awaiting the victim’s medical report and working with the school and the Tawau District Education Office as part of the investigation.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to assist police by contacting investigating officer Inspector Robiatul Adawiyah Japri at 016-918 9402 or visiting the nearest police station.
Rosdi also warned that rioting, assaulting others or using any object as a weapon were serious offences.
He advised parents and guardians to monitor their children’s behaviour and social circles, while reminding students to avoid fights, provocation and groups that could lead them into criminal activities.
