KUALA LUMPUR: Police have urged the 66 persons of interest whose mugshots were released in connection with the death of firefighter Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim to come forward to assist in the investigation.
Federal police Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Huzir Mohamed said only 10 of them had contacted the police since the mugshots were released late last year.
“They are believed to have been at the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in USJ Subang Jaya and nearby locations when the riots took place in November last year.
“We need their cooperation to assist us in the ongoing murder investigation.
“We hope they will come forward as soon as possible and if they fail to do so, we will release their mugshots again,” he told a press conference at Bukit Aman today.
Huzir said, following the Coroner Court’s decision on Sept 27, police had received instructions from the Attorney-General’s Chamber on Oct 4 to continue with the investigation.
“Those with any information can contact the investigation officer Assistant Superintendent Lew Keng Joe at 012 281 6171,” he said, adding that a statement from one individual was taken today.
He said the police would record statements from two experts who were witnesses in Adib’s inquest.
“During the inquest, 30 witnesses were called up to testify.
“Police have recorded statements from 28 witnesses, apart from Prof Shahrom Abd Wahif and Dr Amir Radzi Ab Ghani, who will be called in soon,” he said.
Last month, the Coroner’s Court has ruled that Adib’s death was a result of a criminal act by more than two people, nine months after his death.
Huzir clarified that the four individuals who were earlier detained were not linked to Adib’s death.
He said they were arrested for their alleged involvement in the MCT riot, which was one of the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman Temple incidences, that took place between Nov 26 and Nov 28.
Three incidents that took place in the three days were a group of men trespassing on Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, a group of men attacking two vehicles belonged to the fire and rescue department and a group of men rioting at MCT Tower.
Huzir said Adib’s case was initially investigated under Section 307 of the Penal Code for attempt to murder and was later reclassified to murder, after his death.
“We hope people will stop the speculation and give police room to continue with the investigation,” he said.
Huzir said police had received a total of 5,178 reports nationwide over Sri Maha Mariamman temple riot, with 69 investigation papers (IPs) opened for various offences.
He said 108 individuals had been arrested, with 26 charged at court involved seven IPs.
Adib was reported to have been critically injured during an incident when he and a team of firemen answered a distress call about a vehicle torched during a riot outside the temple on Nov 27, last year.
Adib was taken to Subang Jaya Medical Centre and later transferred to the National Heart Institute. Despite showing signs of recovery, he died on Dec 17.