BETONG: Police have arrested a local man in connection with a viral video of a heated confrontation involving machetes at Medan Market, Bandar Baru Betong.
The 35-year-old suspect was tracked down and detained along Jalan Betong on Monday (Jan 12), a day after the 41-second video circulated widely on social media.
Betong police chief DSP Wan Mohamad Ali Wan Malek said a machete was seized from inside the suspect’s vehicle during a search.
“Background checks found that he has a prior record related to drug abuse, and his urine screening test returned positive for amphetamine and methamphetamine.
“The suspect will be remanded for four days until Jan 17 to assist with investigation,” he said.
The viral video shows two men allegedly armed with machetes confronting each other in a public area. Despite the incident taking place in a crowded area, no injuries were reported.
Wan Mohamad said efforts are ongoing to locate and arrest the second suspect, who remains at large.
Investigations are being carried out by the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) under Section 6(1) of the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act 1958 and Section 148 of the Penal Code for possession of a dangerous weapon in a public place and rioting with a dangerous weapon.
Members of the public with information related to the case are urged to contact the investigating officer, Insp Charles Anak Kiroh, at 013-6962702.
The public is also advised not to speculate on the incident, as it could cause unnecessary concern and interfere with ongoing investigations.
