GEORGE TOWN – A fight broke out among rival vendors at a popular food court here in front of their customers as old grudges and accusations of “stealing” customers surfaced.
The incident, which took place at Medan Renong Padang Kota Lama Food Complex near Esplanade here at about 11.40pm on Tuesday, was recorded by visitors before it went viral on social media today.
Acting North East district police chief V. Saravanan said police received a report from a 36-year-old local man who was involved in the fight.
Saravanan said the fight involved a misunderstanding between the complainant and his two brothers, along with three other cousins of the complainant.
“During the fight, both parties used chairs and sticks as weapons.
“Results from investigations that have been carried out found that the cause of the fight was due to hoarding customers, along with longstanding grudges between the two parties," he said in a statement today.
He said the six men involved suffered minor injuries such as small cuts and scratches on their bodies. They have since surrendered at the North East district police station.
He said the investigation was conducted under Section 148 of the Penal Code for rioting with weapons.
“Those who were at the scene are expected to come to the North East police station to assist in the investigation.
“Police hope the public will not speculate and spread any video recordings on any social media,” he said.
Earlier, a video lasting one minute and 12 seconds went viral on social media, showing a group of men fighting at the food complex while visitors were eating.
It caught the attention of netizens, with some claiming it happened because of the greedy nature of traders who try to hoard customers. – The Vibes, February 3, 2022
