Johor police confirm a violent riot in Mount Austin stemmed from a personal dispute over a business loan, not organised crime, with 13 suspects arrested.
JOHOR BAHRU: Johor police have confirmed that a violent riot outside a restaurant in Mount Austin was not linked to secret societies or illegal moneylending syndicates.
State police chief CP Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said the incident stemmed from a personal dispute over a business loan.
The conflict began when the victim’s friend allowed a suspect to use his bank account, into which RM100,000 was deposited via an online transaction.
The victim’s friend then withdrew the money in stages without the suspect’s knowledge, leading to a demand for repayment.
A meeting was held to resolve the issue, but a misunderstanding led to the victim being attacked by a group of men.
The victim’s friend managed to escape the violent altercation.
Police have so far arrested 13 individuals, aged between 20 and 47, including a Vietnamese woman.
Preliminary urine tests showed four of the suspects tested positive for ketamine.
All 12 male suspects are remanded for seven days, while the female suspect is remanded for three days.
The case is being investigated for causing grievous harm, attempted murder, possessing weapons during a riot, and drug consumption.
Ab Rahaman emphasised that police will take strict action against anyone threatening public safety.
Johor Bahru Selatan police chief ACP Raub Selamat confirmed the victims were attacked with metal chairs and meat cleavers.
One victim suffered injuries to the head, arm, and calf, as well as body scratches.
