SIBU: Five men were arrested for being involved in a fight as well as causing the death of an elderly motorcyclist during a car chase yesterday (Oct 24).
Sibu police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili said prior to the fight, a car chase involving two vehicles occurred on Jalan Alan.
During the chase, one of the suspect’s vehicles hit a motorcycle and it resulted in the death of the 71-year-old male rider.
“We received a public tip-off at 6.45 am regarding a fight at Lorong Wong King Hou and deployed a team to the scene.
“Our team managed to arrest the suspects who were in the middle of the fight at the scene. Also confiscated from the suspects were two cars and weapons like guandaos and a stick.
“Preliminary investigations found that the cause of the incident was due to a debt issue between the two groups,” he said.
The suspects aged between 17 and 30, are being remanded until Oct 27 to facilitate investigations.
In addition, urine tests found that the suspects tested positive for various drugs.
Zulkipli said the case is being investigated under Section 148 of the Penal Code for rioting using weapons, which carries up to five years in prison, or a fine, or both upon conviction.
Meanwhile, the accident resulting in death is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which provides for a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine of up to RM50,000.
Zulkipli advised the public not to speculate on the case as it involves a debt claim between two parties.
He warned that police will not hesitate to take legal action against anyone who creates chaos and disrupts public order.
