GEORGE TOWN, Sept 4 (Bernama) – Police have arrested 10 more men believed to be linked to a brawl involving weapons outside a school in Air Itam here on Aug 29, bringing the total number of individuals detained so far to 23.
Penang police chief Datuk Dennis Lim Kwang Keng said the latest arrests were made following several raids conducted in Penang and Selangor after the initial detention of 13 suspects.
“The latest arrests involved local men aged between 19 and 56, following several operations conducted by police to assist investigations into the case,” he said in a statement tonight.
Lim said investigations found that the incident, which occurred at about 2.45am outside SJK(C) Kong Min Branch Two, Ayer Itam, involved three local men aged between 17 and 25.
He said two of the victims were attacked with weapons, while another was hit by a car. The incident was believed to have stemmed from a debt-related dispute after several individuals met at a food court in Paya Terubong.
Police have opened two investigation papers into the case under several sections of the Penal Code, including those related to rioting, causing grievous hurt, attempted murder and criminal conspiracy. The papers will be referred to the deputy public prosecutor upon completion.
Lim added that police are also considering invoking the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA) if the case meets the requirements.
He said police would continue intelligence gathering, patrols, monitoring and targeted operations to curb group fights and violent crimes, while reminding the public not to take matters into their own hands or resort to violence when resolving disputes.
Members of the public with information on the incident are urged to contact investigating officers Inspector Nurul Izzati Rohim at 013-4092884, Inspector Mohamad Izhar Mohamad Sharifuddin at 016-9896944, or the nearest police station.
Earlier, police detained 13 local men, including three teenagers aged between 16 and 33, to assist investigations into the case.
Lim added that the group, known as Geng 04, was not involved in illegal moneylending activities, with the suspects allegedly helping an acquaintance recover a debt from another member.
– BERNAMA