POLICE have opened investigations under two legal provisions following incidents of provocation and violence against officers during enforcement operations in Kuala Krai over the Aidilfitri period.
Kuala Krai district police chief Mazlan Mamat said the case is being investigated under Section 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing a public servant in the discharge of duties, and Section 353 for the use of criminal force against a public servant.
The action follows the circulation of a viral video on social media showing members of the public provoking police officers during operations in the district.
Mazlan said the incident stemmed from an enforcement operation carried out at around 10pm on Friday by a team from the Kuala Krai district police headquarters, involving the Criminal Investigation Division, Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division, and Kuala Krai police station personnel.
He said police initially used a patrol multi-purpose vehicle to instruct the public to disperse and to stop setting off prohibited firecrackers at around midnight, but some individuals ignored the directive and continued gathering along the roadside.
However, around midnight, police made announcements via MPV vehicles instructing members of the public to disperse and to stop the illegal burning of firecrackers.
Nevertheless, a small number of individuals ignored the orders and continued gathering along the road.
The situation became tense in the early hours of Saturday at about 2am when police detected illegal racing activities involving several motorcyclists and car drivers between the Batu Balai and Guchil traffic lights, with some riders also riding dangerously.
During checks conducted at Dataran Guchil, a motorcyclist fell after colliding with another motorcycle while attempting to evade police inspection. A police officer then attempted to detain the individual, but a scuffle ensued, resulting in the officer sustaining injuries, he said in a statement.
The situation escalated as onlookers gathered, with some individuals allegedly provoking officers and issuing threats, further heightening tensions at the scene.
Mazlan said the incident was recorded by members of the public and later spread on social media, leading to widespread speculation.
“The incident was recorded by members of the public before being circulated on social media, thereby triggering various reactions and speculation.
“However, police managed to control the situation professionally and calmly to prevent any untoward incidents, before the crowd dispersed and the situation returned to normal,” he said.
The operation concluded at around 6am, with enforcement actions including the seizure of three cars and three motorcycles, the issuance of 34 summonses, and the arrest of two individuals.
Police are continuing efforts to trace several vehicles and individuals believed to have fled the scene, including identifying those captured in the viral footage.
“Police are currently tracking several vehicles and individuals believed to be involved but who managed to flee during the incident.
“Investigation papers have been opened and efforts to locate all those involved are ongoing, including identifying them through the viral video footage,” he said.
Mazlan urged the public to refrain from speculation that could interfere with investigations and called on those with information to come forward.
“Members of the public who have information related to the incident are urged to assist the investigation by providing such information to the police.
“At the same time, the public is advised to celebrate the festive season in a harmonious manner without compromising public order and safety in this district, which has long been maintained in line with its reputation as the happiest town in 2025,” he said. - March 22, 2026
