BETONG: A domestic dispute is believed to be the main trigger behind an incident involving two men brandishing machetes at Medan Market in Bandar Baru Betong, a video of which went viral on social media on Sunday (Jan 11).
In the 41-second video clip, it depicted two men carrying machetes – one in black shirt standing on his car while, the other is wearing a helmet.
The incident is believed to have occurred at around 2 pm when the helmeted man went to meet his wife to allegedly discuss their domestic problems.
However, tensions escalated when he saw his wife alighting from a vehicle belonging to another man, leading to a verbal altercation between the two males. The argument later intensified when both of them took hold of machetes in a public place.
Despite the confrontation taking place in a crowded area, no injuries were reported.
It is understood that one of them later went to the police station to lodge a report over damage to his vehicle, which was allegedly slashed with a machete.
But he later changed his mind and declined to proceed with the report, informing police that he intended to return home to resolve the matter amicably with the helmeted man, who is his neighbour in the same longhouse.
Betong police chief DSP Wan Mohamad Ali Wan Malek confirmed the case and said police are currently tracking down the men with the help of CCTV footage to assist investigations.
An investigation paper will be opened under Section 6(1) of the Corrosive Substances, Explosives and Dangerous Weapons Act 1958.
Under the law, carrying or possessing an offensive weapon in a public place without lawful authority or purpose carries a penalty of up to 10 years’ imprisonment and caning upon conviction.
