POLICE on Kota Kinabalu have arrested a local man suspected of abusing children and causing injuries using a weapon, after a video of the incident went viral on social media and sparked public outrage.
The footage, which circulated widely online, shows a group of teenagers believed to be students of a religious school being beaten inside a premises by an older man, reportedly in his 30s. The assault is alleged to have taken place shortly before midnight.
Kota Kinabalu district police chief Assistant Commissioner Kasim Muda confirmed that a report had been received regarding the incident, which is believed to have occurred at around 11.55pm.
“The man was arrested to assist investigations under Section 324 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt using a weapon.
“In addition, investigations are also being conducted under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001,” he said in a statement issued last night.
Kasim said further investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the incident and the role of those involved, based on analysis of the viral video.
He urged members of the public not to speculate or make assumptions that could interfere with police investigations, and reminded them to respect the privacy of all parties involved.
“Individuals who have information related to this incident are requested to come forward to assist investigations by contacting the nearest police station,” he said.
Earlier, a one-minute-and-30-second video clip circulated on social media showing a man repeatedly striking a group of teenagers inside a building, including using a helmet. The man was also seen slapping and kicking the victims. - December 16, 2025
