KOTA KINABALU: Police are identifying individuals involved in an alleged punching incident in Kota Belud following a misunderstanding over monkey feeding, says Asst Supt Ahmad Fathie Md Salleh.
The Kota Belud acting police chief said a police report was lodged regarding the incident, which was believed to have occurred at about 5.30pm on Saturday (Aug 8).
He said an investigation paper has been opened under Section 323 and Section 506 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt and criminal intimidation.
"We are aware of the video and photos said to have been taken during the alleged assault," he said in a statement on Monday (Aug 10).
"We are in the midst of identifying all those who might be involved to facilitate probes and witnesses who can provide information to complete our investigation," said ASP Ahmad.
He advised the public against speculating or sharing unverified information that could jeopardise ongoing police investigations.
He also urged social media users to stop recirculating video clips or photographs of the alleged incident.
ASP Ahmad assured that police will conduct their investigation with transparency, professionalism and in accordance with existing laws.
In a widely circulated video, a tour guide was seen with a bloodied nose after he was allegedly punched by a local man during a river cruise in Kota Belud.
The altercation reportedly began after the tour guide advised the local man to stop feeding monkeys for safety reasons.
