Restaurant brawl leads to nine arrests in Papar

PAPAR – Nine individuals have been arrested to assist in investigations regarding a brawl and riot incident at a restaurant in Kinarut, here, on Sunday evening.

The incident, which occurred at about 6pm, was believed to have stemmed from dissatisfaction between two parties, involving individuals aged between 19 and their 50s.

Papar District Police Chief Superintendent Kamaruddin Ambo Sakka said the initial investigations revealed the fight erupted due to a misunderstanding when a local suspect, drinking at the restaurant, addressed a Pakistani restaurant operator in a harsh tone.

"Both parties expressed dissatisfaction and argued loudly before engaging in a confrontation that escalated into a scuffle.

"The situation spiralled out of control when their friends at the location intervened. The fight intensified as both sides used chairs and wooden sticks as weapons to attack each other.

"However, the brawl was eventually broken up by members of the public at the scene," he said when contacted by Sinar Harian on Monday.

Kamaruddin added that further investigation also found that the misunderstanding originated from an incident a week prior.

"The Pakistani suspect had previously visited the local suspect's shop to sell scrap metal but was unhappy with the price offered, considering it too low.

"The issue escalated when the scrap metal shop owner and several friends later visited the restaurant as customers, leading to the brawl," he explained.

He further noted that a video of the incident has since gone viral on social media, showing the chaotic scene with overturned tables and chairs scattered across the area.

Two groups of individuals used chairs as weapons in a fight at a restaurant in Kinarut, Papar.

"Following the incident, all individuals involved surrendered themselves at about 1pm today. The case is being investigated under Sections 148/160 of the Penal Code for rioting and fighting in public.

"The public is urged to provide any information regarding this incident to the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Mazlan Mali, at 013-656 4978," he said.

Kamaruddin also advised the public against speculating about the incident.

"This incident arose from a misunderstanding between two parties and has no connection to the ongoing global conflict between Pakistan and India," he clarified.