THE ISSUE of beggars has long troubled Malaysia over the years. But one concerning viral video shows the issue escalating to a whole new level.
The video showed a man asking a motorist for money outside a business premises in Sungai Petani, Kedah.
The man, walking around with a parang-like object, allegedly shouted at a vehicle owner after his request was not entertained.
Did this happen as claimed?
Verdict:
TRUE
Police have detained a 44-year-old man following the circulation of a video linked to an incident in Taman Pekan Baru, Sungai Petani.
According to a Malay daily, Kuala Muda OCPD Asst Comm Hanyan Ramlan said the man was detained at about 11pm on Thursday (Sept 10) near a nasi kandar restaurant in the area.
“The suspect has two prior drug-related records. The investigation is being conducted under Section 506 of the Penal Code, Section 6(1) of the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act 1958, as well as Section 15(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952,” he said.
The suspect, who is from Bakar Kapor in Sungai Petani, was traced after the video went viral on social media.
The incident drew attention, especially from the people of Sungai Petani, after the man was alleged to have been holding an object resembling a parang.
However, ACP Hanyan said no weapon was found on the homeless man and no report was lodged regarding the incident at the time of the statement.
He urged the public not to merely share information about the incident on social media, as formal reports are necessary for police to take action under the law.
“We urge anyone who has been harassed, threatened or encountered the suspect to come forward and lodge a police report to assist investigations,” he said.
