SEMPORNA: Police arrested three men following a brawl at Pulau Timba Timba on Wednesday that went viral on social media.
District Acting Police Chief DSP Jaafar Hakim said they received a report at 7.56pm on Wednesday from a 27-year-old tourism company manager that he was attacked by several men while taking a group of tourists to Timba Timba.
“Investigations revealed that the incident stemmed from a dispute over the island’s landing fee which the company had paid to a company.
“However, when the complainant arrived at the island, he was asked to pay the landing fee by another company, causing a dispute which led to the brawl,” he said.
The incident went viral on social media and received negative comments from the people, including tarnishing the image of Semporna as a tourism destination as well as causing concern among tourists in terms of security.
Jaafar said an investigation paper was opened under Section 147 of the Penal Code for rioting and so far, three local men aged between 25 and 27 have been detained to assist in the investigation.
He urged the public to stop making speculations that may stir public concern and affect Semporna’s image as a safe tourist district.
