BALIK PULAU: Eighteen individuals have been charged in connection to a riot that broke out at Queens Waterfront Q1 in Bayan Lepas.
The incident, which involved a group of factory workers, students, food delivery riders and unemployed individuals, led to an early morning disturbance. It was believed to have ignited by a personal disagreement.
The accused — Khairul Ezham Khairul Eddy, 20; Muhammad Syafril Haikal Mohd Fazli, 20; Muhammad Aliff Aliman Mazlan, 21; Mohammad Alif Ikhram Mohd. Hashim, 23; Ahmad Afifuddin Selamat, 25; Muhammad Asrul Nazrul Haizam, 22; Mohd Syafik Abdullah, 20; Nornikman Noor Din, 33; Nor Azira Zaidi, 40; and Ahmad Ameeruddin Selamat, 22 — pleaded guilty when the charges were read before magistrate Chia Huey Ting.
However, eight other individuals, Mohamed Ammar Mohamed Ghani, 19; Muhammad Aiman Ibrahim, 19; Aszaifudin Hamid Mohaideen, 19; Muhammad Nur Zuhairi Noordin, 19; Muhammad Adzlie Hakim Muhammad Nasir, 19; Muhamad Fahrien Addenan, 19; Alyssa Sofieya Mazlan, 19; and Muhammad Nor Isma Haikal Nor Ismadi, 20, pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutors allege that the group engaged in an unlawful assembly with the intent to fight and riot at 2.30am on Nov 23.
The charges fall under Section 147 of the Penal Code, which carries a penalty of up to two years in prison, a fine, or both.Deputy Public Prosecutor Lim Jin Hong urged the court to impose deterrent bail, emphasising the seriousness of public disturbances.
In response, National Legal Aid Foundation defence lawyer Edric Loo advocated for minimal bail, citing the accused's circumstances.
The court ultimately imposed distinct penalties, a RM800 fine for those who acknowledged their mistakes, and RM1,500 bail with one guarantor for those who did not.
One individual, Muhammad Nor Isma, faced additional charges under Sections 323 and 326 of the Penal Code, with bail set at RM1,500 and RM8,000, respectively.
Earlier police reports had indicated that 17 individuals were detained to assist in the investigation, highlighting the scale of the incident.