Police have confirmed that a viral video showing officers arresting four Afghan men, which has been circulating on social media in recent days, is an old recording of an incident that took place earlier this year.
Ipoh District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Muhammad Najib Hamzah said the incident occurred on May 28 at about 5.10am, when two police officers were dispatched to a convenience store at Ipoh Soho following reports of a fight.
Investigations found that the altercation involved four Afghan men, aged between 25 and 28, who were employed as cleaners.
According to Muhammad Najib, two of the men became aggressive while officers were carrying out their duties and allegedly assaulted the policemen, resulting in a struggle.
All four suspects were eventually arrested and taken to the Pekan Baru Police Station for further action. However, two of them reportedly turned aggressive again while at the station in front of officers on duty.
Police also found that all four men were intoxicated and had been fighting among themselves before officers arrived at the scene.
The case was investigated under Section 160 of the Penal Code for affray, Section 353 of the Penal Code for assaulting or obstructing a public servant in the discharge of duty, and Section 90 of the Police Act 1967.
Muhammad Najib said all four suspects were charged in court on June 12.
He urged the public not to speculate or spread inaccurate information that could mislead others, warning that firm action would be taken against anyone who obstructs or uses violence against public servants carrying out their duties.
