ALOR STAR: Police are investigating claims of foul play raised in a viral video about a legal dispute over a three-acre plot of land in Kuala Kedah.
Kota Setar police chief Assistant Commissioner Siti Nor Salawati Saad said a probe was underway to verify documents linked to the alleged dispute between a man in the video and his former business partner.
She said the conflict dated back to 2013 and a total of 75 reports had been filed by the two parties.
She said the case had also been escalated to the court.
"Police have opened investigations under the Penal Code, including under Section 506 on Aug 20, 2016, under Section 437 on July 17, 2021 and under Section 468 on Nov 1, 2021.
"Two cases have been closed. The investigation under Section 468 is active. Some documents are awaiting verification," she said during a press conference at the Kota Setar district police headquarters today.
The viral TikTok video posted by user "Abu Ismail" features a woman who claims to be the man's daughter saying that her father's land with a Temporary Occupation Licence had been "seized" by the former business partner with a forged court document.
She claimed that the former business partner used a falsified court order to force her father to lease the land for RM50 a month, leading to her father's eviction from his land.
In another video, the man accused police of inaction, alleging that they overlooked elements of foul play and "gangsterism".
Addressing the accusations, Salawati said police held a press conference on the case in 2020.
"We have acknowledged every report and conducted thorough investigations, with technical assistance from relevant agencies."
She said police found no elements of gangsterism in the case.
"Police will respond to any new reports or issues if legal violations are found.
"We encourage both parties to use the proper legal channels to settle this dispute."
She cautioned the public against making provoking sentiments that could incite public unease and disrupt social harmony.