KUALA KRAI: A policeman was injured when a scuffle broke out in a provocative encounter with the public during an operation in conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations early Saturday morning (March 21).
Kuala Krai OCPD Supt Mazlan Mamat said the incident occurred while a team of officers and personnel from the Kuala Krai police headquarters were patrolling the district.
He said the operation, which began at 10pm on Friday, involved the district Criminal Investigation Division, the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division, and the Kuala Krai police station.
“At around midnight, police made announcements via a mobile patrol vehicle, instructing the public to disperse and to stop the use of illegal firecrackers.
“However, a group of individuals refused to comply and continued to gather along the roads,” he said in a statement as reported in Sinar Harian on Sunday.
Mazlan added that at about 2am on Saturday, police detected several motorcyclists and car drivers racing between the Batu Balai and Guchil traffic lights.
He said some motorcyclists were also riding dangerously, with one of them falling after colliding with another motorcycle while attempting to evade police inspection at Dataran Guchil.
“A police officer tried to detain the individual, but a scuffle broke out, resulting in injuries to the officer.
“Shortly after, a group of bystanders gathered and interfered with police duties, with some individuals provoking and issuing threats,” he said.
Mazlan said the situation became tense before police brought it under control.
He added that the public footage of the incident later went viral on social media, with various versions circulating online.
“The operation ended at 6am, with three cars and three motorcycles seized, 34 summonses issued and two individuals arrested.
“Police are actively tracking several vehicles and individuals believed to be involved who managed to flee,” he said.
Mazlan added that an investigation paper has been opened under Sections 186 and 353 of the Penal Code.
He advised the public not to engage in any provocation and to celebrate the festive season in a harmonious manner without disrupting public order.
“The public is also urged not to speculate in ways that could interfere with investigations and to come forward with information.
“We also encourage the community to participate in the Volunteer Smartphone Patrol (VSP) to facilitate fast and effective information sharing,” he said.
