KOTA KINABALU – A workplace protest over RM10,000 in alleged unpaid salary in Sepanggar here last week went awry after a seafood worker and his three friends ended up in a violent altercation with his employers.
The incident, which led to the arrest of two suspects, caught the attention of police after a video of the fight made its rounds on social media platforms such as TikTok and WhatsApp yesterday.
Kota Kinabalu district police chief ACP Mohd Zaidi Abdullah, in a statement today, said investigations found that the incident occurred last Thursday afternoon when four men blocked the entrance of the factory with their vehicle as a sign of protest.
The four men wanted to meet the factory owner, who allegedly owed one of them RM10,000 in salaries.
The factory owner’s partner demanded that the suspects move their vehicle – a red Perodua Bezza – from the entrance gate.
However, after the demand was ignored, the partner threw a fire extinguisher at the car, breaking the car’s windshield.
Angered by his action, the four men punched and attacked the owner’s partner with a metal chain.
Another man is also seen taking out a machete and attempting to attack both the factory owner and the partner.
TW - VIOLENCE
— TheVibes.com (@thevibesnews) December 5, 2022
A workplace protest over RM10,000 in alleged unpaid wages turned away when five men ended up in a violent altercation.
Two suspects were subsequently arrested.
Police said the case is investigated under s148 and s324 of the Penal Code. pic.twitter.com/VrwSg6fV8u
Due to the fight, the factory owner sustained minor injuries to his right ear, while his partner received five stitches for injuries to the back of his head.
Zaidi said the case is investigated under Section 148 of the Penal Code for the possession of a weapon while rioting and Section 324 of the same act for causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means.
He said the “leader” of the four men, a 47-year-old man, and his worker, 53, have been arrested, while the metal chain and the Perodua Bezza were confiscated.
“Police are still locating two other men. Public members with information from the video may contact the investigating officer of the case, Insp Vermal Subramaniam at 010-2314432.”
Zaidi also confirmed that the case did not involve gangsters and that it was caused by a worker who was disputing unpaid salary.
“All parties are advised to use legal means when facing financial or debt problems, and not to take actions that are against the law, as it will only make matters worse and risk (someone else) getting involved in crime,” he added. – The Vibes, December 5, 2022
