Viral park fight leads police to detain 13 students in Tawau

Tawau police have detained 14 people, including 13 students, as part of an investigation into a violent altercation between teenagers at Taman Ambar park. Assistant Commissioner Rosdi Mat Jusoh from Tawau district police said the detained individuals, aged 12 to 14, were released on bail, while a 14-year-old without identification was confirmed to be a non-student.

The incident, reported two days ago, began as a misunderstanding between two students before turning into a fight involving several others. A viral video of the incident helped authorities identify the participants and their roles. Police seized a smartphone and a bicycle believed to be connected to the investigation. The case is being handled under Section 148 of the Penal Code for possessing weapons at a riot, and the undocumented teenager faces charges under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.

Further investigations are ongoing to determine each individual's involvement and role. Police are collecting the original video, witness statements, and the victim's medical report, and working with the school and Tawau District Education Office on the matter. The fight was captured in a 32-second video showing the teenagers in sports uniforms pushing each other before several became involved in a scuffle, with one person on the ground.