Thirteen, including minors, held over violent clash in Air Itam

George Town police have arrested 13 individuals, including three minors, following a violent altercation involving weapons in Air Itam on August 29 around 2:45am. The incident reportedly began as a debt dispute after a group of people met at a food court in Kota Bali, Paya Terubong. State police chief Datuk Dennis Lim stated that the clashes involved weapons and that police are also investigating a car believed to have struck one of the victims during the altercation.

Police conducted multiple raids from 8:19pm on August 29 to 4:22am the following day, apprehending suspects ranging in age from 16 to 33, including a student and individuals employed in the food, delivery, and transportation sectors. Two suspects were unemployed. The case falls under Sections 148 and 326 of the Penal Code. Lim assured that police will finalize investigation documents before submitting them to the deputy public prosecutor.

He also pledged to increase patrols, surveillance, intelligence gathering, and targeted operations to prevent future group brawls and violent crime. Should the investigation reveal that the offences met the criteria for Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) application, police may take further action. Police urged the public not to take matters into their own hands or engage in violent dispute resolution.

Parents and guardians were advised to monitor their children's social circles and activities to prevent involvement in criminal activities. Information can be provided to Inspector Nurul Izzati Rohim at 013-4092884 or the nearest police station.