Air Itam armed brawl: Police make 10 more arrests after raids in Penang and Selangor

George Town, on September 5 — The police have apprehended ten additional individuals suspected of involvement in a weapons-fueled brawl outside a Penang school, on August 29, raising the total count of detained persons to 23. Chief of the Penang police, Datuk Dennis Lim Kwang Keng, revealed that these latest arrests took place following multiple raids in Penang and Selangor, which were initiated after the initial arrest of 13 suspects.

In a statement released last night, Lim detailed that the suspects, aged between 19 and 56, were captured during several operations aimed at aiding the ongoing investigation. The incident, which unfolded around 2:45 am near SJK(C) Kong Min Branch Two, Ayer Itam, involved three local men aged between 17 and 25. According to Lim, two victims were assaulted with weapons, while another was struck by a vehicle.

The altercation reportedly began as a result of a debt dispute, following several people meeting at a Paya Terubong food court. The police have initiated two investigations under various Penal Code sections, including those concerning rioting, causing grievous hurt, attempted murder, and criminal conspiracy. These files will be forwarded to the deputy public prosecutor for further review.

Lim hinted that the police may utilize the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) if the case satisfies the necessary criteria. He emphasized that the force would continue to conduct intelligence gathering, patrols, monitoring, and targeted operations to prevent group fights and violent crimes, while cautioning the public against taking matters into their own hands or engaging in violence when addressing disputes.

The public is advised to reach out to investigating officers Inspector Nurul Izzati Rohim at 013-4092884, Inspector Mohamad Izhar Mohamad Sharifuddin at 016-9896944, or any nearby police station, if they possess information regarding the incident. Earlier, 13 local men, including three teenagers aged between 16 and 33, were detained to facilitate the investigation.

Lim clarified that the group, identified as Geng 04, was not engaged in any illegal moneylending activities, and the suspects were reportedly assisting an acquaintance in recovering a debt from another member.