KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 - Thirteen individuals pleaded not guilty at a Magistrate's Court here today to a charge of rioting at a business premises in Jinjang Utara earlier this month.
The accused were T. Kavilan, 25; Wong Kui Yoong, 51; Leow Mun Yee, 33; Leong Chun Kit, 26; Yam Kit Lun, 21; Lim Zhen Huang, 31; Tan Kai Hao, 30; Teh Jin Huat, 40; Wong Kai Yan, 24; Lim Eng Hoon, 24; Kong Wai Lun, 22; Tan Hwa Yuan, 19; and a 17-year-old boy.
They were charged with rioting together with five individuals who remain at large while armed with rattan sticks capable of causing injury at a business premises at 3.27pm on June 11.
The charge, under Section 148 of the Penal Code and read together with Section 34 of the same Code, carries a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment, a fine, or both, upon conviction.
Magistrate Illi Marisqa Khalizan allowed bail of RM4,500 each with one surety for Yam, Hwa Yuan, and the 17-year-old boy, while the remaining 10 accused were granted bail of RM5,500 each with one surety.
The court fixed August 13 for mention of the case.
The prosecution was conducted by Deputy Public Prosecutor Iman Nurhidayah Ezani.
Lawyer Mona Leonard Lubon represented Zhen Huang, Kai Hao, Teh and the 17-year-old boy, while lawyer Nur Ashiqeen Mohd Sultan appeared for the other nine accused.
Media reports previously stated that all the individuals were arrested in several raid operations around the capital on suspicion of involvement in a riot and a fight involving a group of armed individuals.
Sentul district police chief ACP Basri Sagoni said preliminary investigations found that the incident was believed to have stemmed from a dispute over debt-related matters before escalating into a large-scale fight that resulted in injuries to the victim.
