PADAWAN: A local man, whose actions were captured in a viral Facebook video showing him allegedly injuring a foreign worker, has been arrested for further investigation.
The incident happened at a food court along Jalan MJC, Batu Kawa and based on the CCTV footage’s timestamp, it is believed to have occurred on Thursday night (Sept 21).
Padawan deputy police chief DSP Lim Jaw Shyong revealed that the 1.07-minute-long video began circulating widely on social media around yesterday.
In the video clip, the victim, who is an Indonesian woman, was forced into drinking from a cup by the suspect, who subsequently slapped and punched her in the head.
During the altercation, a woman and another man, presumed to be a co-worker, were seen nearby.
The injured woman received treatment as an outpatient at Sarawak General Hospital following the incident.
Lim stated that a police report regarding the viral video was received around 1.09pm yesterday.
“In response, the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) were deployed to the scene for investigation.
“The primary suspect, a 24-year-old man, was located and arrested.
“All witnesses to the incident have been summoned to provide their statements at the Padawan CID office,” he said.
He pointed out that the case is being investigated under Section 323 of the Penal Code, which carries up to one year of imprisonment, a fine, or both, upon conviction.
Lim also clarified that this case has no links to gangsterism and urged the public to refrain from making negative speculations that could potentially hinder the ongoing police investigation.
In the wake of these developments, the Indonesian Consulate in Kuching has been informed about the incident, and the woman is temporarily placed under the consulate’s care.