KUALA LUMPUR: Balloon seller Muhamad Za’imuddin Azlan says he has lodged a police report over the injuries he sustained during an altercation with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) officers last month.
“I was only earning a living for myself and my family,” said a tearful Muhamad Za’imuddin during a press conference here yesterday, accompanied by his mother, Hasnah Mat Isa.
His lawyer, Rafique Rashid, said they are considering legal action when the full medical report is obtained.
“Currently, we have a discharge note (issued by Serdang Hospital) confirming there are medical issues related to the incident,” he said, adding that the medical report could take one month.
Rafique also questioned claims that Muhammad Za’imuddin had a previous criminal record.
The revelation comes after reports cited a source saying he had 13 prior cases, mostly related to drugs.
Seeking justice: Muhamad Za’imuddin and Hasnah during a press conference in Kuala Lumpur. — LOW BOON TAT/The Star
Rafique also urged the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) to consider the trader’s perspective before making any decisions.
It was earlier reported that two of three investigation papers over the altercation between the balloon vendor and DBKL officers have been referred to the AGC.
DBKL enforcement officers lodged two police reports and Muhammad Za’imuddin’s mother lodged another.
Previously, a video went viral showing a confrontation between Muhamad Za’imuddin and a group of DBKL officers in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, which led to the former being tackled to the ground.
DBKL later claimed that Muhammad Za’imuddin refused to cooperate with officers who had warned him twice to stop hawking without a licence.
Muhammad Za’imuddin refuted in another video that he received three warnings from officers prior to the scuffle.
Following the incident, DBKL said it would review its procedures and investigate.
DBKL said the officers involved have been temporarily suspended.
