MELAKA: Melaka Police said that an imitation firearm was used in an early-morning scuffle at a karaoke outlet in Taman Melaka Raya here, while denying claims circulating on several media that gunshots were fired during the incident.
Melaka Tengah OCPD Asst Comm Christopher Patit said the disturbance occurred at about 4am on Thursday (Jan 8) following an argument among a group of patrons over dissatisfaction with the selection of songs.
He said the disagreement escalated into a heated confrontation involving six individuals who were believed to be intoxicated at the time, before developing into a physical fight that attracted the attention of members of the public at the premises.
ACP Christopher Patit said police detained six suspects aged between 20 and 40, and subsequent arrests led to the seizure of a pistol believed to be an imitation firearm from one of the suspects.
He added that statements had been recorded from 12 witnesses, all of whom confirmed that there were no gunshots or explosions heard during the incident.
ACP Christopher Patit said he categorically denied allegations of shots being fired and the discovery of two bullet casings, as claimed in media postings.
He said investigations are being conducted under Section 36 of the Arms Act 1960 for possession and importation of an imitation weapon, Section 506 of the Penal Code for criminal intimidation and Section 147 of the Penal Code for rioting.
He said the case is still under investigation and advised the public not to speculate or share unverified information from unofficial sources, as such actions could cause unnecessary public alarm.
