IPOH: The confrontation between Ipoh City Council (MBI) enforcement officers and a few people at an eatery is not a racial issue, says Sandrea Ng.
The Perak housing and local government committee chairman urged the public not to make provocations that could affect the harmony and unity of the community.
"The state government has been informed of the viral video showing an incident between local council enforcement personnel and the public at Taman Rasi Jaya, Menglembu, Ipoh.
"I have instructed the relevant authorities to carry out an immediate investigation, and full details are being gathered to facilitate appropriate actions," she said in a Facebook post on Thursday (April 17).
Ng added that the state government will take swift steps to de-escalate the situation.
"I appreciate everyone's patience as the investigation takes place," she added.
Meanwhile, Ipoh OCPD Asst Comm Abang Zainal Abidin Abang Ahmad said that a police report regarding the incident was received from a 40-year-old city council enforcement officer at about 6.43pm on Wednesday.
He said early investigations found that a restaurant worker began acting aggressively towards the complainant and the enforcement team who were attempting to seize the eatery’s furniture from a five-foot walkway on a complaint from the city council’s health department.
"The suspect uttered vulgar words and tried to obstruct the officers from performing their official duties. The complainant also reported that one of the officers was punched by the individual," he said.
He added that the incident went viral on social media after it was uploaded by an account known as 'Happy Boss Network',
ACP Abang Zainal Abidin said that investigations are currently being carried out under Section 353/186 of the Penal Code and Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955 (Revised 1987) relating to the use of criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging duties and for using vulgar words.
He added that statements are also being recorded from witnesses to assist the investigation.
He urged the public with information to contact the investigating officer, Insp Sheikh Fateeha Iman at 010-290 8095 or to contact the nearest police station.
He warned the public to act responsibly when using social media to avoid making statements that could disrupt harmony and unity in society.
"The police view this matter seriously and urge everyone to remain calm and not take any unlawful action," he added.
Yesterday, a video of a confrontation between city council enforcement officers and a few people at an eatery here went viral.
In the two-minute 55-second video clip, one enforcement officer was heard saying that he was being threatened before launching into a tirade against an individual who was not shown.
The incident is believed to have occurred during an operation to seize tables and chairs from a five-foot walkway outside the eatery.
Things got heated when the officers began taking the chairs as a man rushed out from the eatery and tried to stop the officers.
