JOHOR BARU: Police arrested 11 men for allegedly rioting outside a bistro at the Zon Duty Free outlet near here yesterday.
A one-minute and 16-second footage of the group armed with wooden weapons fighting with another group of men was captured and uploaded on social media before going viral.
There were speculations that the altercations were gang-related, revolving around turf disputes and claims to protection money.
However, Johor Baru South police chief Assistant Commissioner Raub Selamat said there were no such evidence that the altercation was gang-related.
He said the fight broke out at 2.14am yesterday.
Police obtained remand orders against the 11 men aged between 18 and 41 to facilitate investigations for rioting, extortion and for causing mischief by damaging properties.
He said initial investigations revealed that the altercation stemmed from a misunderstanding between two business owners operating within the vicinity.
Six of the 11 men had previous drug-related and crime records, while three tested positive for drug abuse.
"Despite speculation that the fight was gang-related, there is no evidence of involvement from organised crime syndicates," he reiterated.
He urged those with information to contact their district police hotline at 07-2182222 or investigating officer Inspector Azlinda Zolhaimi at 011-24261787.
