MIRI: Police have remanded eight men to facilitate investigations into a fight in Piasau Jaya last Thursday.
Magistrate Leona Dominic Mojiliu meted out the remand order via Zoom online conference at Miri central police station today (Sept 24).
The eight comprised seven suspects aged between 31 and late 40s, including a brother to a lawyer, are being investigated under Sections 427, 447 and 506 for causing damage through acts of mischief, trespassing and criminal intimidation.
The victim in the incident was also arrested and remanded for four days for investigation under Section 324 and Section 506 of the Penal Code as well as Section 6(1) of the Corrosive and Explosive Materials and Dangerous Weapons Act 1958.
In the Thursday evening incident that went viral on social media platforms, the seven suspects went and assaulted the 40-year-old victim at his home, purportedly in an act of revenge.
Miri police chief ACP Hakemal Hawari, who confirmed the case, said the incident is believed to be an act of vengeance after a prominent lawyer in Miri claimed he had been attacked by a man known to him.
“Following the incident, the lawyer’s brother went to track down the attacker along with his friends. Later, it led to a fight which caused damages to property as well as injuries.
“Police had to fire a warning shot to break up the fight upon arriving at the scene. All those involved in the fight, have lodged police reports and were arrested to facilitate investigations,” he said.
He advised the public not to share any recording of the fight as it could incite unrest in the community.
He warned that anyone found to have shared such video, would be charged under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, for improper use of network facilities or network services.
“We also urged the community not to take action outside the law.
“No one is allowed under the law to use force, gangsterism in resolving disputes between parties regardless of their background.
“Any criminal incidents that occur should be reported immediately to the police for further investigation and action. These fights can be avoided if all parties think rationally,” he said.
