By Dorcas Ting
KUCHING, Mar 27: Thirteen men have claimed trial in the Magistrates’ Court here to a charge of rioting with objects used as weapons following an altercation at an eatery along Jalan Kuching City Mall.
The group, aged between 20 and 34, pleaded not guilty before Senior Assistant Registrar Abdurrahman Abrar Jarni to an offence under Section 148 of the Penal Code, which provides for a jail term of up to five years, a fine, or both upon conviction.
The court heard that the incident took place at about 10.30pm on March 17, when one group was dining at the premises. A larger group of men later arrived, allegedly provoked those present, and overturned a table, triggering a confrontation that quickly escalated.
During the clash, both sides were said to have armed themselves with chairs, metal objects, and glassware, using them to attack one another. The violence left several individuals injured and caused an estimated RM3,000 in damage to the premises.
Police investigations indicated that the altercation was linked to a dispute over a RM12,000 debt. CCTV footage and witness identification confirmed the presence and involvement of the accused at the scene.
Authorities also seized several items, including CCTV decoders and mobile phones, to assist in the investigation.
Deputy public prosecutor Muhammad Aidil Akmal Sharidan requested bail of RM5,000 with one local surety for each accused.
Defence counsel Ralph Lee, who represented 10 of the men, contended that his clients acted in self-defence, noting that three of them had also lodged reports over the incident.
He added that they had cooperated fully with investigators and were unlikely to abscond.
The court granted bail of RM3,500 without deposit with two local sureties for those represented, while the remaining three, who were unrepresented, were allowed bail of RM3,500 with one local surety.
The case has been fixed for pre-trial case management on May 4. Investigations also revealed that about 36 individuals were involved in the incident, with 13 suspects still at large.
The case is being handled by Insp Awang Iswandi Awang Mahmuddin. — DayakDaily
