13 Nepali Workers Detained Following Riot Incident in Teluk Intan
13 Nepali Workers Detained Following Riot Incident in Teluk Intan
TELUK INTAN – A hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of a Nepali pedestrian sparked tension in front of a factory at Batu 8, Jalan Changkat Jong here on Friday night. As a result of the incident, 13 Nepali factory workers were detained by police on suspicion of attempting to incite a riot.
According to Hilir Perak District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Dr. Bakri Zainal Abidin, the incident occurred around 9:35 PM. The accident caused over 1,000 factory workers, mostly Nepali nationals, to gather at the scene. Their large presence caused traffic disruptions and raised concerns about the potential for violence.
“Police teams were deployed to control the situation. After several hours, the workers dispersed and returned to their respective hostels around 2 AM,” Bakri explained in a statement on Saturday.
He added that all 13 individuals detained will be investigated under Section 147 of the Penal Code, which relates to the offense of rioting. Meanwhile, an investigation is also underway to identify the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run accident.
“Members of the public who have information regarding this accident are requested to contact the Investigating Officer, Inspector Mohammad Syamil at 011-10065817 to assist with the investigation. This case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987,” said Bakri.
Additional Facts:
- Foreign Worker Issues in Malaysia: This incident brings back issues related to foreign workers in Malaysia, especially from Nepal, who often work in the manufacturing and construction sectors.
- Road Safety: Hit-and-run accidents are among the leading causes of road fatalities in Malaysia. According to the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), an average of 18 deaths per day were recorded in 2022 due to road accidents.
- Role of Social Media: Incidents like this often go viral on social media, which can trigger chain reactions and tensions among certain communities.
This incident not only highlights road safety issues but also reflects the importance of effective conflict management within foreign worker communities. Authorities need to take proactive steps to prevent similar incidents in the future, including increasing awareness about road safety and strengthening relationships between foreign workers and the local community.
With the cooperation of all parties, it is hoped that such incidents can be avoided and social harmony can be maintained.
