MIRI: Police have confirmed that a viral video of a security guard and a man involved in a brawl in front of a supermarket at Tudan, was due to the man not complying with the standard operating procedure (SOP) – wearing a face mask when entering a premises.
The May 24 incident was recorded by members of the public and it went viral on social media platforms, prompting Miri police to launch an investigation.
Miri deputy police chief Supt Mohd Sabri Zainol who confirmed the case, said the security guard was asked to come forward on May 26 to lodge a police report to explain the incident.
“According to the security guard’s testimony, he had reprimanded a male customer who was not wearing a face mask while entering the supermarket.
“The customer was not satisfied with the reprimand and it led to an argument and a brawl between the two.
“However, the security guard did not lodge any police report as he had been informed by the public that the man has a mental problem and did not want to prolong the issue,” he said.
Sabri stated that an investigation paper has been opened under Section 323 of the Penal Code for intentionally causing injury and it will be referred to the deputy public prosecutor soon.
The public are urged not to record and upload videos that can cause annoyance and concern among the community.
Commenting on the case, he stressed that the incident could have been avoided if other members of the community had stepped in and helped calm the situation and maintain public order especially during this Covid-19 pandemic.
