KUCHING: A home-based grocery shop in Kampung Semera, Samarahan, became the scene of a violent confrontation early Tuesday morning, resulting in two individuals being hospitalised and three suspects arrested.
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According to Police Chief, the incident occurred around 6.00am at a grocery outlet operating from a private residence in Kampung Semera, located in the Asajaya District under the Samarahan Division.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the commotion was triggered by a group of men who were allegedly dissatisfied with the service provided by the shop’s employee. The suspects, reportedly upset over the staff’s attitude, demanded an apology which was not given. This led them to lose control and turn aggressive.
The men, armed with various objects, damaged flower pots outside the premises, threw firecrackers inside, and smashed car windows. The shop assistant quickly contacted the shop owner, who arrived at the scene with a friend. A second round of altercations then took place.
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During the fight, the 59-year-old father of the shop owner sustained injuries and was rushed to Sarawak General Hospital for treatment. His condition has since been reported as stable. Meanwhile, one of the attackers was seriously injured and is currently being treated in the hospital’s red zone.
Police later arrested three Chinese male suspects aged between 34 and 36, who are now in custody and will be brought to court for a remand hearing. Investigations are ongoing under Section 148 of the Penal Code for rioting while armed with weapons.
Authorities also recovered several items believed to have been used in the attack, including iron rods, rattan canes, a hockey stick, a cleaver, and a broken blade. Bloodstained items were also collected for forensic testing.
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Additionally, two plastic bottles filled with what is suspected to be petrol were found at the scene, although no fire was reported.
Supt. Damat stated that three more suspects are still at large, and preliminary findings suggest some individuals involved may have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
He urged the public to avoid settling disputes through violence and encouraged anyone with information to step forward to assist in the ongoing investigation.
