POLICE in Sungai Petani have detained a 44-year-old local man following allegations on social media that he had been soliciting money from motorists while carrying a parang in the Taman Pekan Baru area.
Kuala Muda district police chief Assistant Commissioner Hanyan Ramlan said the suspect was detained while loitering near a restaurant at about 11pm yesterday.
“No sharp object was found on him when he was detained, and checks revealed that the suspect has two previous drug-related records.
“For now, investigations are being conducted under Section 506 of the Penal Code, Section 6(1) of the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act 1958, and Section 15(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952,” he said.
The arrest followed social media posts alleging that the man had frequently been seen loitering around a car park in Taman Pekan Baru while carrying a parang.
He was also alleged to have berated several motorists after they refused his requests for money, raising concerns over public safety in the area.
Hanyan urged anyone with information about the case, including those who had allegedly been harassed, threatened or subjected to any criminal act involving the man, to come forward and lodge a police report to assist investigations.
He also advised members of the public to immediately call 999 if they encounter anyone carrying a weapon and loitering in a public place so that police can respond promptly.
“People should channel any information through the proper channels to the police instead of turning such incidents into social media content to be uploaded or circulated,” he said. - September 10, 2026
