A life in peril: Chong urges anyone with info on viral video of woman's assault to step forward

KUALA LUMPUR: Anyone with information on the viral video in which a woman is seen being assaulted must step forward immediately, says Datuk Seri Michael Chong.

The MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head said swift action was needed in this matter as the victim might be in grave danger.

"I believe that she may have been forced into vice.

"As soon as the video went viral, the group seen assaulting her could attempt to silence her permanently," he told reporters at Wisma MCA on Thursday (Aug 3).

He said several people had contacted his department to step in over the brutal assault.

"While some assumed the motive for the attack might be jealousy, I believe she could have been forced into vice after running away from home.

"Just have a look at the video. Even while being beaten, she can be heard apologising," he said, adding that two men and two women were seen attacking her in the clip.

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It was reported that a video was uploaded to Facebook of a woman being attacked.

It was reported that a video was uploaded to Facebook of a woman being attacked.

George Town OCPD Asst Comm Soffian Santong was quoted as confirming that the incident happened as seen in the viral video uploaded on the Facebook account of "Whyman Whyman" and added that it was being investigated.

At about 10pm on July 30, police received a report from a 51-year-old local man that the woman who was beaten in the viral video was his daughter.

The 24-year-old victim left her home here in George Town in December over family issues.

Since then the victim had not returned home and could not be contacted by her family.

Police have yet to determine the location of the incident.

The case is being investigated under Section 147 of the Penal Code for rioting and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for misuse of network services.

Also present was MCPF vice chairman Datuk Seri Dr Lim Chin Fui and MCPF Melaka chairman Edison Chan.

Chong urged those with information on the case to contact the MCPF hotline at 03-2181 0055 or his department at 03-2203 3888.

He said the identities of informants would be kept strictly confidential.

He also advised those who were mistreating the girl to cease their actions immediately.