BINTULU: Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has urged police to conduct a thorough investigation into a series of attacks on 24-hour convenience stores in several parts of Sarawak, including incidents involving suspected explosive or flammable objects, arson and vandalism.
The Bintulu MP said the cases should be investigated collectively across districts to determine whether they were linked and to identify not only those directly involved, but also anyone who may have planned or ordered the attacks.
The incidents were reported in Kuching, Sri Aman and Bintulu, with outlets belonging to the same convenience store chain targeted within a 24-hour period.
Tiong said it was particularly alarming that some of the incidents occurred while people were still inside the premises.
“Knowing that there were people inside and still throwing dangerous objects into the shop is a blatant disregard for the law and human lives.
“This kind of gangster-style behaviour, involving intimidation, arson, violence and acts that endanger lives to achieve an aim, must not be allowed to take root in Sarawak. No one should think violence is a way to solve problems,” he said in a statement.
Tiong said the cases should not be treated separately if the same brand had been repeatedly targeted.
“Police must investigate who planned the attacks, who carried them out, why these stores were targeted, whether anyone was directing the attackers and whether this involved an organised operation,” he said.
“If this is not stopped quickly, what meaning does the law have?”
He urged police to continue tracking down all those involved and determine whether the cases were connected, including whether there had been prior planning, instructions or an organised group behind the attacks.
“Once the person who carried out the arson is caught, the investigation must go further up the chain. If others planned or ordered it, the real masterminds must not be allowed to escape responsibility.
“The public should not be fobbed off with excuses such as insufficient evidence or an inability to trace those involved,” he said.
Tiong said any dispute or allegation must be dealt with through the proper legal channels.
“We must put a stop to gangster-style violence. Violence and intimidation cannot become a way to settle problems. We cannot wait until someone loses their life before taking action,” he said.
