KUCHING, March 27 — Thirteen men have claimed trial at the Magistrates’ Court here to a charge of rioting with weapons at an eatery along Jalan Kuching City Mall earlier this month, in a case believed to have stemmed from an alleged RM12,000 debt dispute.
The accused, 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. The provision carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both, upon conviction.
According to the charge, the men allegedly took part in a riot at about 10.30pm on March 17. The incident reportedly involved the use of objects such as chairs, metal items and drinking glasses, which were said to have been used as weapons during the altercation.
Deputy public prosecutor Muhammad Aidil Akmal Sharidan applied for bail of RM5,000 with one local surety for each accused, citing the need to ensure their attendance throughout the court proceedings.
Defence counsel Ralph Lee, who represented 10 of the accused, submitted that his clients should not have been charged as they were allegedly victims in the incident and were acting in self-defence. He further informed the court that three of his clients were also complainants in the case. Lee said his clients had cooperated fully with the authorities during the investigation and had shown no indication that they would abscond.
After hearing submissions from both sides, Abdurrahman granted bail of RM3,500, undeposited, with two local sureties for the 10 represented accused. The remaining three accused, who were not represented by counsel, were allowed bail of RM3,500 deposited with one local surety.
The court fixed May 4 for pre-trial case management.
It is understood that the incident began when 10 of the accused were dining at the eatery before a larger group of men allegedly arrived and provoked them. A table was said to have been overturned, triggering a confrontation that escalated into a riot. Both groups allegedly engaged in physical violence, resulting in injuries to several individuals and damage to property at the premises estimated at RM3,000.
Sources indicated that a total of 36 individuals were believed to have been involved in the altercation, with 13 still at large.
The case was investigated by Insp Awang Iswandi Awang Mahmuddin. Investigations are ongoing as police continue efforts to trace the remaining suspects.
The incident serves as a reminder that disputes, particularly those involving money, must be resolved through proper legal channels. Taking matters into one’s own hands only leads to serious consequences under the law. – The Borneo Post
