Kanowit riot hearing postponed to Nov 21, situation at Sibu Court Complex calm

SIBU, Oct 17: The Sibu Court has postponed the Kanowit riot hearing to Nov 21, while none of the eight accused were present in court today.

According to a TVS report, police were seen on standby around the Sibu Court Complex to ensure that a possible riot would not take place.

It reported that the situation at the complex was calm, without any disturbances that could threaten public order and peace.

The eight accused were called to court for case management over a recent riot incident in Machan, Kanowit.

Johnny Lau, Tie Sing Tai, Kevin Lau Pick King, Alvin Tang Chan Siew, Dave Wong Yang Dao, Jonwin Umpi, Willis Inggol Jonwin, and Brandon Lee Kah Xin, were charged under Section 148 of the Penal Code read together with Section 34 of the same Code.

The Section carries a maximum imprisonment of five years, or a fine, or both upon conviction.

The eight accused were charged with involvement in a riot on Aug 7, 2023, at around 4.30pm at a restaurant in Machan, Kanowit.

Yesterday (Oct 16), social activist Peter John Jaban called on the public, especially Dayaks, not to show up for a potential riot at the Sibu Court Complex in relation to the case.

The police also stated that the Court has issued a temporary restraining order for seven days from Oct 17 to 23, 2023, for eight individuals following information that a possible riot would be held at the venue. — DayakDaily