A man was allegedly stopped and attacked by a group of around 20 to 30 men in Sibu, Sarawak, with footage of the incident later circulating widely on social media.
The incident reportedly involved a 23-year-old local man who was allegedly surrounded and assaulted along a road in the city.
Police launched an investigation after receiving a report and coming across a 19-second video showing the alleged attack. Three men believed to be involved in the incident have since been arrested.
Police Arrest 3 Men At Different Locations
According to police, the 23-year-old man lodged a report on Sunday (9 Aug), prompting the Criminal Investigation Department to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Investigators subsequently traced several individuals believed to be connected to the case.
Three local men, aged between 21 and 60, were arrested at three different locations in Sibu.
The suspects are currently being held to assist with investigations. Police are expected to bring the three men before the Sibu Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (11 Aug) to seek a remand order.
The arrests come after footage of the alleged assault began circulating on Facebook and other social media platforms.
The short clip reportedly shows a man being surrounded by a large group of men on a road before being attacked.
Police Investigate Serious Assault & Rioting
Police are investigating the case under Section 326 of Malaysia’s Penal Code, which concerns voluntarily causing grievous hurt using a weapon or dangerous means.
If convicted under the provision, offenders can face up to 20 years in prison, along with a fine or whipping.
Authorities are also investigating under Section 148 of the Penal Code, which relates to rioting while armed.
Those convicted under the provision can face up to five years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both.
However, the investigation is still ongoing and the arrests do not mean the three suspects have been found guilty.
Police are also working to establish what happened before the confrontation and whether other individuals seen in the footage were involved.
Police Appeal For Information
Members of the public who have information about the incident have been urged to come forward and assist with the investigation.
As the circulating video only captures part of the incident, it does not independently establish what led to the confrontation or the role played by each individual.
Police investigations are expected to provide more details about the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault, including why the victim was stopped and how the confrontation began.
The case remains under investigation.