One nabbed, five still at large

KUCHING: Police have arrested a local man suspected of involvement in a brawl with five other individuals in the early hours on Monday.

Kuching police chief, ACP Ashmon Bajah said that the altercation, which involved six local men, happened around 1am at an automotive workshop in Kubah Ria.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the conflict arose from a misunderstanding, allegedly triggered by an accusation of a tyre rim theft at the workshop.

“Acting on information, a team from Kuching and Sarawak Criminal Investigation Department (CID) managed to arrest a 23-year-old man around 11.40am along Jalan Sultan Tengah.

“Background checks found that the suspect has a history of two prior offences related to drugs and violent crimes.

“Efforts are currently underway to locate and arrest the remaining five suspects, who are still at large,” he said in a statement.

The case is being investigated under Section 148 of the Penal Code for rioting, which carries a maximum jail term of five years, a fine or both, upon conviction.

Ashmon urged the public to channel any information regarding the incident by contacting the Kuching police operations centre at 082-244444 or the nearest police station.

He also cautioned the public against engaging in unlawful activities as strict measures would be taken against those who transgressed the boundaries of the law.