MELAKA: Police are trying to authenticate a viral video showing a person dressed as the character 'Elmo' assaulting a man to the point of injury at a shopping mall in Banda Hilir.
Melaka Tengah district police chief, Christopher Patit, when contacted, confirmed that no party has come forward to file a report on the incident so far.
"So far, there has been no police report. We need to check whether the video is new or old. If it's new, we will file a report so that action can be taken," he said in a text message.
Based on the 34-second recording, the individual in the costume is seen punching a man in the face while he is sitting against the wall of the shopping centre, resulting in injuries.
Additionally, the perpetrator can be heard shouting and uttering profanities at the victim, who did not retaliate and eventually walked away.
The incident is believed to have been recorded by a bystander before being circulated on social media today.
When questioned by the bystander who recorded the incident, the costumed man claimed he was working and had been punched in the stomach by the victim first, prompting him to retaliate.
"He (the victim) punched me in the stomach. I called the police, and they told me to 'settle' it myself," he said.