TAIPING: Two groups of youths went at each other with parangs and sticks outside a cybercafe in Kamunting here.

Sixteen were injured and nine were admitted to the Taiping Hospital, two in critical condi-tion with slash wounds on the head and body.

The severely injured were a 16-year-old boy visiting his mother who lived near the cybercafe and a 32-year-old contract worker who was passing by.

In the 9pm incident on Mon-day, the youths had also attacked passers-by and patrons of the cybercafe.

About 100 police personnel, led by Taiping OCPD Asst Comm Raja Musa Raja Razak, are tracking down the youths.

Perak police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Zulkifli Abdullah said the fight started after two groups of youths teased and jeered at each other outside the cybercafe.

“One of them slapped someone from the other group, and the victim brought his friends in. Then, they went after innocent victims with sharp objects,” he said.

“We are still determining how many youths were involved. We have yet to record statements (from those injured). When we do, we may get a clearer picture.”

The situation was swiftly contained within the hour, DCP Zulkifli said, adding that after midnight, police arrested three youths in their 20s found carrying sticks and iron rods.

However, police had yet to recover any parang and were still hunting for more suspects, he added.

Police also set up roadblocks in the Kamunting area as a crime-prevention and safety measure.

At a briefing yesterday attended by community leaders, state assemblymen, and representatives of political parties, departments and non-governmental organisations, ACP Raja Musa quelled talks that people had died in the incident.

He urged those present to explain to the community what happened.

“This incident has nothing to do with racial sentiments,” he said.

“This was about youngsters fighting, and it was contained before it could escalate.”

Perak MIC chairman Datuk G. Rajoo urged youths to respect each other and not seek revenge as Malaysia was a multicultural country.

Article from TheStar

Tags | cybercafe, fight, gangster, kamunting, taiping, tesco