Seven local men have been arrested following a fight at a car park outside a grocery shop in Bintulu, after a video of the incident went viral on social media.
Bintulu District Police Chief Superintendent Nixon Joshua Ali said all seven suspects were detained by officers from the Criminal Investigation Division of the Bintulu District Police Headquarters (IPD) yesterday.
He said the suspects have since been remanded to assist with investigations into the incident. Initial investigations found that the fight was believed to have started following a misunderstanding linked to a vehicle accident.
Nixon stressed that the incident was not connected to any elements of gangsterism, despite the footage circulating widely online. The case is being investigated under Section 147 of the Penal Code for rioting.
“If convicted, those found guilty may face up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both,” he said in a statement on Saturday.
Police are expected to expedite the investigation before referring the case to the Deputy Public Prosecutor’s Office. Members of the public with information related to the incident are urged to contact the Bintulu IPD Operations Room at 086-318804.
