MUKAH: An auxiliary police officer escaped a potentially fatal attack after being slashed across the neck with a machete by a drunken foreign plantation worker yesterday (Jun 24).
The 45-year-old required 12 stitches for the neck wound but was fortunate to be treated as an outpatient at Mukah Hospital.
Mukah police chief DSP Muhamad Rizal Alias said the officer had gone to investigate after receiving information that the 39-year-old suspect was creating a disturbance at the workers’ quarters along Jalan Sebakong.
“Upon arrival, the victim found the suspect behaving aggressively while holding a machete.
“As the victim attempted to calm the situation, the suspect suddenly swung the weapon at him, causing an injury to his neck,” he said.
The suspect was eventually subdued with the help of several workers who were at the scene after a struggle, in which he continued to act aggressively and he also sustained injuries during the scuffle.
Both the victim and the suspect were taken to the hospital for treatment before a team from the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) rearrested the suspect for further investigation.
Rizal said police also seized a 53cm machete believed to have been used in the attack.
Preliminary investigations found the suspect had allegedly gone on a rampage while under the influence of alcohol following a dispute with the plantation management.
Further checks found that the suspect did not possess valid travel documents.
The case is being investigated under Section 324 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt with a dangerous weapon, as well as Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for not possessing valid travel documents.
The suspect is currently being held at Mukah police lock-up pending prosecution.
