Gang fight erupts at school carnival

JOHOR BARU: Two youths were attacked by a rival group during a carnival at a school in full view of scores of visitors including small children.

One of the victims – a 21-year-old man – was stabbed at the right side of his chest.

He managed to run to the front gate of the school but collapsed and died.

“The other victim, a 15-year-old, had injuries to his left arm. He has been sent to Hospital Sultanah Aminah,” said Johor Baru North OCPD Asst Comm Mohd Taib Ahmad.

He said they had attended the carnival yesterday afternoon with three of their friends.

“Suddenly, they were confronted at the school compound by a group of eight teenagers armed with knives,” he said.

ACP Mohd Taib said initial investigations showed that the attack could be linked to disputes between two gangs.

So far, he said 12 suspects, aged between 14 and 21 years, had been arrested to assist in the investigation.

“The attack did not involve any of the school students but some of the suspects and victims are believed to have studied at the school,” he said.

Meanwhile, the father of the deceased, who only wanted to be known as Xie, said he was shocked when he found out about the attack.

“My son told me he wanted to attend the carnival with his friends this morning. I did not expect it to end this way,” he said.