Low Yat brawl: 'Temporarily close premises' - Rani Kulup

NEW: Latest update following mob violence which occurred during the early morning of July 13

Authorities have been urged to shut down the Low Yat Plaza temporarily until investigations into the alleged fight stemmed from an alleged cheating incident, which broke out on Saturday night is concluded.

Seven men ran amok after their friend had allegedly been cheated by a mobile phone trader.

Martabat Jalinan Muhibbah Malaysia (MJMM) president, Abdul Rani Kulup Abdullah said, this cheating issue at the plaza and other areas in Kuala Lumpur is nothing new.

“This issue is not exclusive at Low Yat, it is also rampant at Petaling Street and other areas where traders are known to have ties with gangsters. If customers change their mind in buying their products, these customers would be yelled at and this creates fear.

“These traders would also act like gangsters themselves. It’s good that this incident happened. At least it would open the people’s eyes on situations such as this.

“The solution is simple, close down Low Yat first to give the agencies involved to investigate the trader involved. This case will teach people a lesson on consumer rights at places such as Low Yat,” he said when contacted today.

Abdul Rani was commenting on the pandemonium that broke out at Low Yat Plaza on Saturday when seven men ran amok after their friend was apprehended after he was allegedly cheated by a mobile phone trader.

There were also allegations that the man had shoplifted a mobile phone.

In the 7.50pm incident, the men had also beat up several attendants and caused a ruckus at the store, damaging several electronic products in the process.

The man is believed to have been taken into custody by the plaza’s security guard before being handed over to the police, leading his friends to take matters into their own hands.

Although the incident is said to have racist connotations, Abdul Rani explained, traders should not be given leniency so as to prevent incidents such as this from recurring.

“We will lodge a police report tomorrow. This incident is related to gangsterism and it should be given due attention.

“I want to stress the importance of shutting down locations such as Low Yat immediately if incidents such as this break out,” he said.

On Sunday, the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Kuala Lumpur director, Muez Abdul Aziz said, the ministry will launch an investigation into the incident.

However they are still waiting for an official statement from the suspect who is now in police custody.