Police are investigating an incident in Sandakan in which an enforcement officer from the Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS) was reportedly assaulted by a group of men while patrolling the Batu 8 Market area on Friday afternoon (6 March).
Sandakan District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner George Abd Rakman, said the incident occurred around 2:30 PM when the officer and his colleague were conducting a patrol to monitor business activities in the market area. He said the officer had confronted a man believed to be openly selling duty-free cigarettes at the location, which then led to an argument.
“During the incident, the officer was attacked by several unidentified individuals, resulting in bruises on his body,” he said.
Police have launched an investigation and have identified several suspects believed to be involved, with one arrest made so far.
In response, Sabah Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing, Datuk Fairuz Renddan, emphasised that his ministry will not tolerate illegal cigarette sellers operating in local authority areas.
“Especially when violence and gangster-like behaviour occurs in these areas. We will crack down, expel all of them, and will not allow such thugs to operate and sell illegal cigarettes openly,” he said.
The incident in Sandakan has been widely shared on social media, with a TikTok video showing the injured enforcement officer after being assaulted by a group of men acting aggressively. George said the case is being investigated under Section 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing a public servant from carrying out their duties.
“We are also investigating the matter under Section 332 for causing hurt to deter a public servant, and Section 147 for rioting,” he added.
He urged members of the public to come forward with any information related to the case by contacting the nearest police station to assist in the investigation.
