Malaysians among those injured, arrested in Little India riot

One Malaysian has been detained for possible involvement in the Sunday riot in Little India, Singapore.

Another five Malaysians, who work as auxiliary police personnel, had suffered minor injuries while assisting the Singapore police in handling the riot.

This, according to Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman, was told to the High Commission of Malaysia in Singapore by the Singapore police.

"... five auxiliary police personnel, who are Malaysians with permanent resident status in Singapore, suffered minor injuries while assisting the Singapore police in handling the riot," he said.

The five, said Anifah, are working with three major security firms employed by the Singapore government to assist the Singapore police in its operation.

Meanwhile, Anifah stressed that the Dec 8 incident was "an internal matter" for Singapore, but also said that the ministry will cooperate with the neighbouring state over the incident.

"The High Commission of Malaysia will render the necessary consular assistance to the affected Malaysians in coordination with the authorities of Singapore," he said.

Anifah also said Wisma Putra has "frequently reminded Malaysians visiting, working or residing overseas to respect the laws of their host countries just as Malaysians expect foreigners residing in our country to abide by our laws."

The riot on Sunday night was triggered after a bus accident involving a 33-year-old Indian national who was knocked down and killed at the junction of Race Course Road and Hampshire Road, in Little India.

The man was later identified as construction worker Sakthivel Kumaravelu.

Some 400 people rioted for more than two hours and multiple vehicles were damaged. Two police cars were reportedly overturned and an ambulance was set on fire.

At least 18 people, including 10 police officers, were injured.

Singapore police said 27 "South Asians" were detained in connection with the incident. Of those, 24 were Indian nationals, two Bangladeshis and one a Singaporean permanent resident.

The riot, said to be a first in the last four decades, was seen as shocking in the usually strict and peaceful Singapore.

While discussions raged, especially over the reason the riot occurred, Singapore Primer Minister Lee Hsien Loong has urged for calm and ordered an inquiry into the incident.

Singapore Straits Times reported today that there will be a complete ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol this coming weekend near the area where the riot broke out.