Cops arrest Kota Raya brawl suspect

KUALA LUMPUR: Police have arrested a suspect in connection with a brawl that broke out between workers at a mobile phone shop in the Kota Raya shopping complex and a group claiming to have been scammed by them.

Dang Wangi deputy police chief Supt Habibi Majinji (pic) said the 38-year-old man, a parking attendant, was arrested at the shopping complex on Sunday, after the 5pm fracas was brought under control.

"The suspect was part of the group involved in the assault on the shop workers.

"He works as a parking attendant in one a shopping complex," adding he will be remanded on Monday.

When asked, Supt Habibi said police are investigating whether the suspect was one of the individuals allegedly swindled by the traders.

"The mobile phone worker was injured in the assault and has lodged a police report.

"We will release the images of the suspects in due time," he noted.

Supt Habibi said those who claimed to have been cheated did not lodge a police report prior to the fracas.

"They only lodged a report after the incident on Sunday. From what I understand, they responded to a call on Facebook to band together and claim a refund.

"We have identified the Facebook user behind the posting and will take action as necessary.

"I would like to stress that NGOs and individuals should refer the matter to the police instead of taking the law in their own hands," he said.

Supt Habibi said that police would be increasing the security around Kota Raya to prevent untoward incidents.

He added that the traders suffered losses amounting to RM15,000 in stolen items and damage to the premises.

The case is probed under Section 148 of the Penal Code for rioting with weapons and Section 394 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing injury while committing robbery.

Two people were reportedly injured in the brawl at the shopping complex.

It was reported that Muslim Consumers Association of Malaysia (PPIM) had held a press conference outside the shop and demanded refunds for those that had been allegedly cheated by the operators.

Dang Wangi CID chief Deputy Supt M Gunalan earlier said it is believed that the brawlers were an entirely separate group.

"They came shortly after the group held a press conference outside the shop to demand refunds. There were about 20 men who came with sticks and helmets and got into a fight with about eight workers in the shop.

"From what we can see, a table was smashed by the brawlers and a few handphones are missing. Those injured are being treated for minor bruises at the Tung Shin Hospital," DSP Gunalan said.