MUKAH: Police have arrested an e-hailing driver for allegedly issuing threats while brandishing a machete in a Facebook live session that later went viral.
The 2.16-minute video showed the 36-year-old suspect uttering threatening words in the Melanau dialect while holding a sharp weapon.
Following the live session, a 34-year-old man, who is an employee of a private company, lodged a police report claiming to be the victim of the threat at around 5 pm on Oct 6.
Mukah police chief DSP Muhamad Rizal Alias said the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) arrested the suspect at around 5.30 pm the same day after conducting intelligence work.
“Police also seized a machete, a phone, a car, a face mask, and the clothes believed to have been worn during the live session.
“Urine tests conducted on the suspect came back negative for drugs,” he said.
Rizal added that the suspect will be remanded to facilitate investigations under Section 507B of the Penal Code for criminal intimidation made through electronic communication.
He will also be probed under Section 6(1) of the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act 1958 for possession of offensive weapons in public places without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.
He reminded the public not to post or share any statements or content that could cause public alarm, especially on social media.
Those with information on the case, are urged to contact the district police headquarters (IPD) at 084-871222 or the nearest police station.
