Sabah police call for calm after clash between locals and foreigners

KOTA KINABALU: Police are trying to identify and track down a group of foreigners who were involved in a clash with some locals in Ranau two days ago.

Ranau police chief Deputy Supt Mohd Shahrul Abdul Wahab has also called for locals not to take the law into their own hands following a viral WhatsApp message claiming that they had surrounded an illegal immigrant settlement.

“We are taking action. The case is still under investigation,” he said.

He said the locals should not act irrationally when it involved public safety and order.

On Sunday, DSP Shahrul said a 28-year-old man suffered head and body injuries after he was assaulted by a group of foreigners near Ranau market.

The man was standing in front of a convenience store when he spotted a group of men coming out of a car.

They proceeded to attack another group believed to be locals. The incident occurred at 12.15pm on Sunday.

The man bolted when the fight started. However, he was hit several times on the back of his head and body with a steel pipe by two foreigners who gave chase.

DSP Shahrul said the victim received six stitches for his injuries.

He said the foreigners fled when police arrived at the scene.

Police have classified the case as voluntarily causing hurt with dangerous weapons.

Those with information on the case can contact the nearest police station.