Sandakan: A Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS) enforcement officer was injured after being assaulted by a group of men believed to be contraband cigarette sellers while on patrol at the Batu 8 market.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sandakan district police chief ACP George Abd Rakman detailed that the incident occurred around 2.30 pm when the officer reprimanded a man suspected of openly selling untaxed cigarettes in the area. A quarrel ensued, leading to the officer being assaulted by several unidentified individuals, resulting in bruises on his body.

Following the incident, police have launched an investigation, identifying several individuals believed to be involved, with one person arrested thus far. The case is under investigation under Section 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing a public servant in the discharge of public functions, Section 332 for voluntarily causing hurt to deter a public servant from carrying out his duty, and Section 147 for rioting.

A video of the incident has since gone viral on social media. In response, MPS president Walter Kenson affirmed the council's commitment to cooperating fully to ensure those responsible for injuring the officer are brought to justice. He emphasized that the violent action against the enforcement officer is unacceptable and reiterated that selling contraband cigarettes is an offence, warning that strict action will be taken against such activities.

Walter also stated that MPS would continue collaborating with other enforcement agencies to curb illegal activities.