Police have arrested 18 men to assist investigations into two separate brawl incidents that occurred in Kampung Air in the early hours of Thursday.
In a broader context, authorities continue to strengthen enforcement and monitoring in public areas as part of ongoing efforts to curb violent altercations and maintain public safety.
In the first incident at about 4am, a local man in his 20s sustained an injury to his right calf after allegedly being stabbed with a sharp object believed to be a stingray barb while at a food outlet in the area.
The victim, who was reportedly trying to break up a fight, was later sent to Queen Elizabeth II Hospital for treatment and is said to be in stable condition.
Acting Kota Kinabalu police chief Superintendent Syed Lot Syed Abdul Rahman said preliminary investigations found that the incident stemmed from a misunderstanding between several individuals before escalating into a fight.
He said about an hour later, another brawl was reported at the same location, believed to be linked to the earlier incident.
In the second case, another man suffered injuries after being punched, resulting in bruising to his nose.
Acting on intelligence and information, the District Criminal Investigation Division (CID) managed to detain 18 men to assist investigations and seized several items believed to be connected to the incidents.
The case is being investigated under Sections 148 and 324 of the Penal Code.
Police have also urged the public not to speculate or spread unverified information that could disrupt investigations or affect public order.
