7 Things To Know About The Late-Night Riot In Subang Jaya That Set 18 Vehicles On Fire
The brawl is reported to have been triggered by a clash between two rival groups.
18 vehicles were set aflame and at least two people are injured after a violent scuffle broke out at the site of Sri Maha Mariamman temple in USJ 25, Putra Heights earlier today, 26 November
Image via Facebook / New Straits Times
Here's a quick rundown of what happened at the 2am brawl:
1. According to Subang Jaya police, the riot erupted following a misunderstanding over the temple's relocation
Image via Facebook / New Straits Times
Free Malaysia Today reported that temple devotees had been keeping a 24-hour vigil in protest of the temple's relocation from USJ 25 to another site in USJ 23.
According to Malaysiakini, the temple has been slated for relocation since 2007 after the land it was on was purchased by One City Development Sdn Bhd. In 2014, a consent judgment was entered in court, in which the developer and two groups vying for control over the temple agreed to relocate the temple, with One City also agreeing to donate RM1.5 million as part of the settlement.
2. Things escalated when a group of masked men arrived at the scene to demolish the temple
Image via Facebook / Malaysiakini
Protestors on site reportedly tried to stop them by surrounding the temple. A war of words between both groups ensued, hence triggering the brawl. A video showing the moment the men entered the temple was also posted on Facebook:
3. Several people at the scene also posted videos and live-streamed the incident as it was happening. In one video, rioters were seen cheering as a vehicle got set on fire.
4. The police, Fire and Rescue Department, and even the Federal Reserve Unit were deployed to curb the situation
Image via Facebook / New Straits Times
"When we arrived at the location, we noticed two vehicles ablaze on the side of the road," a Selangor Fire and Rescue spokesperson told NST.
"We attempted to douse the flames, but were prevented from doing so by the rioters. (So) we decided to await further instructions from the police, who were already at the scene," he added.
The Star reported that the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) were also sent to the scene to ensure the situation does no worsen.
5. The Fire and Rescue Department confirmed that 18 vehicles were set ablaze, including two motorcycles and two cars parked by the side of the road
Image via Facebook / Malaysiakini
6. At the time of writing, two men who were injured in the brawl have been arrested to assist in investigations
Image via Facebook / Malaysiakini
In a press conference, Selangor police chief Datuk Mazlan Mansor said, "Two men in their 30s sustained injuries in the incident. Apart from that, 18 vehicles including two motorcycles were torched."
He added that the two men have been sent to Serdang Hospital for treatment and have been arrested to assist in investigations.
7. The police chief also clarified that there are "no racial elements" involved in the incident
"Members of the public are advised to stop sharing information that this riot happened because of racial issues. We will not hesitate to take action against any individuals attempting to cause racial tensions and disrupt public harmony over what happened," Datuk Mazlan said at a press conference at the Subang Jaya district police headquarters (IPD) today.
Less than 24 hours later, yet another brawl erupted at the temple. During the commotion, a 24-year-old fireman was attacked by rioters shortly after arriving at the scene:
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