JOHOR BARU — Police have confirmed that the armed riot in front of a restaurant in Taman Mount Austin recently was not linked to secret societies or loan sharks, but instead stemmed from a business-related debt dispute involving RM100,000.
Johor Police Chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said investigations revealed that a friend of the victim had allowed his bank account to be used by one of the suspects, who later deposited RM100,000. However, the money was reportedly withdrawn gradually without the suspect’s knowledge, leading to a demand for repayment.
During a meeting to discuss the repayment, an argument broke out before the victim was attacked by a group of men while his friend managed to escape.
Police have detained 13 individuals aged between 20 and 47, including a Vietnamese woman. Four of the suspects tested positive for ketamine. Twelve male suspects were remanded for seven days, while the woman was remanded for three days.
The case is being investigated under Sections 326, 307 and 148 of the Penal Code, as well as the Dangerous Drugs Act.
A 27-year-old victim sustained injuries to the head, arms and legs after being attacked with an iron chair and a meat cleaver.