13 Arrested Over Molotov Cocktail Attack on Rohingya Settlement in Johor
Thirteen local men have been arrested by Johor police following a Molotov cocktail attack that targeted a Rohingya settlement in Kulai Besar.
Arrests and Court Remands in Kulai District
The suspects, aged between 16 and 31, were taken into custody during a series of operations conducted across the Kulai district between October 14 and October 19, according to Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad. Investigators from the Johor Contingent Police Headquarters Criminal Investigation Department and the Kulai District Police Headquarters executed the arrests acting on public information. Background checks revealed that four of the detained suspects possess a combined total of 12 previous criminal and drug-related records. Authorities also seized 13 mobile phones, three sets of clothing, and three baseball caps during the raids.
The Magistrate’s Court has granted varying remand orders for the 13 men. Police secured an eight-day remand for four suspects beginning October 14, a seven-day hold for four suspects starting October 14, a five-day order for one suspect that began on October 15, and a seven-day remand for four others starting October 19.
Investigators Probe Link Between Firebombing and Viral Videos
The firebombing occurred at approximately 1:30 am on October 13, when makeshift explosives were hurled at several homes in the settlement, causing minor perimeter fires that were swiftly extinguished without causing injuries or other damage. Investigators are probing a direct link between the arson and two viral Facebook videos. The footage featured individuals believed to be Rohingya challenging Malays to come to the Kulai area and labeling the Malay community cowards who claimed they did not dare enter the area.
In response to the online tension, a Rohingya man in his 30s lodged a formal police report denying any involvement in the clips, claiming that others had misappropriated his photograph to produce the provocative content. Police have opened two separate investigation papers covering the attack and the online material. The case is being investigated under Section 436 of the Penal Code for mischief by fire or explosive substances, Sections 505(b) and 505(c) of the Penal Code for statements that may cause public fear or alarm or incite one group or race against another, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for improper use of network facilities.