KUALA LUMPUR — Police arrested three more people this morning (July 13) following fresh fights that broke out after midnight outside Low Yat Plaza in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which reportedly left five people injured – three of them believed to be journalists.
Several news portals reported the early morning ruckus to be a continuation of tensions at the popular tech mall in the city’s golden triangle area that started following a disagreement in a smartphone store between a customer and the shop’s employees.
Citing an eyewitness, local news agency The Star Online reported a group of 50 to 60 men storming into a food outlet near the mall and beating up the patrons with motorcycle helmets around midnight.
Five were reported injured, with three said to be media personnel including a photographer and a journalist who attempted to protect the cameraman from the mob.
The Star Online also reported two riot police vehicles were deployed to the scene at about 1am, and added that sounds of explosions were heard at the area.
Another news portal Malaysiakini reported that several roads leading to Low Yat Plaza were sealed off following the latest fight.
Three individuals were arrested in the latest commotion, national news wire Bernama reported, citing city police chief Tajudin Md Isa who said the trio were aged between 22 and 25.
They were detained for provocative acts during a gathering outside the plaza, the policeman was reported saying but did not elaborate.
Rumours of the incident have been spread on the Internet, with some describing the fights as racial.
However, police have repeatedly said there was nothing racial in the melee.
“I assure that the police will carry out investigations which are transparent and fair to both parties.
“The public is advised not to listen, believe or spread rumours on social media. Rely on the police for information,” Mr Tajudin was quoted saying by Bernama today.
Yesterday, Bernama reported police had arrested a 22-year-old local man believed to be involved in a brawl that happened at 7.38pm.
According to the news agency, the suspect was caught by security guards at the complex for allegedly stealing a mobile phone and handed to the police.
However, the youth later contacted his friends who reacted by heading to the store where the attempted theft allegedly happened and assaulting the shop workers and damaging the store with losses estimated at RM70,000 (S$24,915), Bernama reported.
Source: www.themalaymailonline.com
