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POLICE have detained 12 men and one woman from Vietnam in connection with an armed brawl that broke out at a restaurant in Taman Mount Austin, Johor Bahru, on Saturday.
The South Johor Bahru District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Raub Selamat, said that video footage of the incident, which circulated widely on social media, indicated the attack occurred at around 3.50 a.m.
“Preliminary investigations reveal that a group of men assaulted the victims and their companion using metal chairs and a meat cleaver, causing injuries to the head, arms, calves, and multiple scratches across the body,” he stated.
Raub explained that the motive for the attack was believed to be a personal dispute over a private debt between two individuals.
The arrests were carried out during operations between 3 a.m. and 12.40 a.m. on Saturday at several locations around Johor Bahru. The suspects, aged between 20 and 40, were found in possession of seven mobile phones, a knife, and clothing worn during the incident, all seized for investigative purposes.
“Records indicate that seven of the suspects have previous criminal and drug-related convictions, while urine screening revealed that six tested positive for ketamine,” he added.
The case is being investigated under Section 148 and Section 326 of the Penal Code, as well as Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 for those who tested positive for drugs.
Male suspects have been remanded for seven days until 3 January 2026, while the female suspect has been remanded for three days until Tuesday to assist in further investigations.
Raub noted that police are actively searching for other individuals involved in the incident. He urged the public not to speculate on the case in ways that could impede investigations and to always comply with the law.
Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the nearest police station or the South Johor Bahru District Police Headquarters. - December 28, 2025
