KUALA LUMPUR – The Magistrate’s Court here has fined 34 men for their involvement in a shocking riot that went viral after a lorry was used to crash into an entertainment centre in Cheras earlier this month. The case, which drew widespread public attention, highlighted concerns over public safety and rising acts of violence in urban areas.
In the decision delivered on Friday, 32 men aged between 21 and 57 were each fined RM3,000 or face four months’ imprisonment if they failed to pay. Two younger accused, both aged 19, were fined RM2,000 or sentenced to three months in jail in default. All of them pleaded guilty before Magistrate Faezahnoor Hassan after the charges were read out.
According to court documents, the group was charged with participating in a riot and possessing dangerous items including weapons, sticks, and objects capable of causing injury. The offence took place at an entertainment outlet in Cheras at approximately 7.30pm on April 5. The charges were framed under Section 148 of the Penal Code, which provides for a jail term of up to five years, a fine, or both upon conviction.
Investigations revealed that the incident involved a group of masked individuals who used a lorry to ram through the premises’ gate before entering and damaging property inside. The act was captured on closed-circuit television (CCTV), and the footage quickly spread across social media, triggering public concern and outrage.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Nur Farhana Mohamad Poad urged the court to impose appropriate penalties, stressing that the case involved a large number of offenders and had caused fear among the public. The prosecution maintained that a firm sentence was necessary to serve as a deterrent.
Meanwhile, defence counsel Mohammad Arifin Abdul Wahab appealed for leniency, noting that many of the accused were working individuals, including restaurant assistants, small business operators, and e-hailing drivers. He added that his clients had expressed regret, apologised for their actions, and pledged to comply with the law moving forward. The defence also highlighted that the accused had already been remanded for four days.
Earlier reports indicated that a total of 43 men had been arrested in connection with the case across the Klang Valley. Of these, 35 were remanded, while several others were later released on police bail as investigations continued.
The case serves as a reminder that acts of violence and public disorder will be dealt with firmly under Malaysian law. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and order, especially in incidents that threaten public safety and confidence.
