Motorcycle noise complaint sparks fight, 3 injured in Penampang

In Penampang, a noise complaint involving a motorcycle sparked a violent altercation that left three men injured last night. The incident reportedly began around 9:30 PM when one of the victims confronted the suspect, who was also a neighbor, over the motorcycle's loud engine noise as it passed through the area. Penampang district police chief Superintendent Sammy Newton stated that police received reports of a fight involving a group of people gathered and playing carrom outside a residence.

After initial investigations, it was discovered that the 37-year-old suspect had been riding through the area on his motorcycle, causing the loud noise. A dispute ensued when one of the victims confronted the suspect, leading to an argument that escalated into a physical altercation involving three men aged between 35 and 40. All of the injured parties were treated at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kota Kinabalu and are reported to be in stable condition.

The suspect was subsequently arrested at a village in Putatan around 10 PM by a team from the Penampang district police headquarters Criminal Investigation Division and Putatan police station. Initial investigations suggest that the incident likely occurred spontaneously due to a misunderstanding and the suspect's dissatisfaction with being confronted over the motorcycle noise.

No prior dispute or animosity between the suspect and the victims has been identified. Police are currently gathering witness statements and examining CCTV footage to complete their investigation, which is being conducted under Section 326 of the Penal Code. The investigation files will be forwarded to the prosecution for further action.

Police have urged the public not to spread unverified information or share images and videos related to the incident, as this could impede the investigation and cause public concern.