Debt dispute sparks armed George Town school fight, police arrest 13 suspects including minors

GEORGE TOWN, Aug 30 — Penang police have apprehended 13 male suspects, comprising three minors, in connection with a violent confrontation armed with weapons that erupted before the Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJKC) Kong Min branch in Air Itam. The 16 to 33-year-olds were seized in a coordinated five-area raid orchestrated by the Criminal Investigation Department’s Vice, Gambling and Secret Societies Division (D7) at the Penang Police Headquarters, alongside the Northeast District Police Headquarters Criminal Investigation Division and Central Police Station assistance.

Inspector Dennis Lim, the Penang police chief, disclosed that the suspects were apprehended between 8:19 PM yesterday and 4:22 AM today, including a student, two jobless individuals, and several food delivery and transport workers. The probe is ongoing, with the case under examination under Penal Code sections 148 and 326; completed paperwork will be forwarded to the Deputy Public Prosecutor for additional instructions.

The altercation took place approximately 2:45 AM yesterday, involving two primary targets aged 17 and 25. Authorities believe the dispute originated from a debt disagreement following a gathering at a Kota Bali, Paya Terubong food court. Lim also mentioned that police are probing a vehicle allegedly involved in striking a victim during the brawl, causing injuries.

To prevent future instances, the police plan to increase patrols and surveillance at high-risk locations, bolster intelligence gathering, and execute targeted operations to curb group fights and violent crimes.

The public is encouraged to reach out to Insp Nurul Izzati Rohim at 013-4092884 or their nearest police station with any relevant information. Lim cautioned against speculating or disseminating the identities of the minors involved and advised against resorting to personal violence or attempting to solve disputes independently. The police may also explore actions under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA) if the investigation confirms the offenses meet its criteria for application.