POLICE have detained 46 foreign male workers following a riot outside a workers’ hostel near The Summit building on Friday night, believed to have been triggered by dissatisfaction over alleged misconduct by a hostel warden.
Seberang Perai Tengah district police chief Assistant Commissioner Helmi Aris said the disturbance was reported at approximately 10.42pm.
The building in question serves as a workers’ dormitory for a company based in the Bukit Minyak industrial zone. According to police, company rules strictly prohibit smoking and alcohol consumption in the hostel.
“However, several workers alleged that the hostel warden had been collecting fines from them without the employer’s knowledge. This sparked unrest and led to the workers gathering and damaging a company van,” said Helmi in a statement issued on Saturday.
All 46 suspects have been remanded for four days until 24 June to assist in the investigation. The case is being investigated under Section 148 of the Penal Code for rioting with weapons.
Helmi urged foreign workers to abide by hostel regulations and to use proper channels to address grievances at the workplace.
The incident, which quickly went viral through a circulating video clip and several images showing the unrest, was brought under control shortly after police arrived at the scene. - June 21, 2025
