KOTA TINGGI: Police arrested two suspects to facilitate investigations into an alleged fight between two bikers' gangs at the Desaru International Bike Week (DIBW) 2023 festival yesterday.
Johor police chief commissioner Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat said the men aged 30 and 50, were believed to be able to shed light into the incident.
The suspects were among several participants and visitors at the three-day DIBW held at Desaru, near here, between Sept 22 and 24.
The suspects were injured with one of them requiring four stitches to a cut he received
Kamarul Zaman said initial investigations revealed the altercation was based on provocation between biker gangs from Hell Riders, based in California, United States, and local bikers, who were fans of the Hell Riders' rival biker gang.
"Police stationed 350 police personnel during the three-day festival, and they managed to ensure the situation did not escalate further.
"The case is investigated under Section 148 of the Penal Code for rioting. The situation was brought under control and the activities resumed today," he said during a press conference held at the state police contingent headquarters.
Kamarul Zaman added more suspects were expected to be picked up to facilitate investigations.
He advised those involved to come forward voluntarily. The two men were picked up at their respective house in Kota Tinggi and Johor Baru.
Earlier, the New Straits Times, reported a fight broke out during DIBW, after videos circulated went viral.
Meanwhile, an exhibitor at the festival, who wanted to remain anonymous, identified only as Abu, said on Saturday morning, two motorcycle clubs, both originating from foreign nations but had members affiliated with the Malaysia-Singapore chapter, were present at the event.
Abu said the organisers had requested for the rival gang members to disperse as a precautionary measure.
However, members of the Singapore-Malaysia chapter, were upset with the request, and took their frustration on bikers Hells Angels, shouting and gesturing profanities and also took on social media to express their dissatisfaction.
The verbal provocations were successfully diffused by the policemen at the scene.
However, about 9pm on Saturday night, they came back and starting throwing stools randomly onto any foreign looking participant, he claimed.
DIBW is an international festival and exhibition in celebration of motoring lifestyle.
The annual festival which kick-started in 2019, was held at the Desaru Coast conference centre with the concept of "The Real Brotherhood".
The primary objective of DIBW is to unite riders across the region in solidarity and celebration of the motoring lifestyle at the same time promoting the local culture, cuisines, and sports.
The festival supported by the state government, aimed at promoting state tourism.