SIBU: Police have arrested five local men suspected of involvement in a riot that erupted at an entertainment centre here on Saturday.
Sibu police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili said they had received a report about the incident around 1.45 am.
Initial investigations found that the riot was triggered by one of the intoxicated suspects who allegedly disturbed the victim’s family members present at the venue.
“The altercation escalated from verbal confrontation to physical violence, extending beyond the premises of the entertainment centre.
“Four individuals sustained injuries in the incident and are currently receiving medical treatment at Sibu Hospital.
“Acting on information, the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) managed to apprehend five suspects, aged between 29 and 55, believed to have been involved in the riot,” he said.
Background checks revealed that two of them had prior records related to criminal activities and narcotics.
Zulkipli clarified that the incident did not involve any gangsterism element and efforts are ongoing to locate additional suspects who remain at large.
He said the suspects are being held to assist with further investigations into the case under Section 148 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both, upon conviction.
Members of the public are urged to refrain from speculating about the incident to avoid interfering with the ongoing police investigation.
Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact the investigating officer, Insp Ahmad Hakimi Abd Azide, at 011-31873715 or the police operations room at 084-344111.
