A Sandakan Municipal Council officer was injured after being attacked by suspected illegal cigarette sellers, with police investigating under multiple penal code sections.

SANDAKAN: A municipal enforcement officer was injured after being assaulted by a group of men believed to be contraband cigarette sellers during a patrol.

The incident occurred at the Batu 8 market yesterday afternoon after the officer reprimanded a man suspected of selling untaxed cigarettes openly.

Sandakan district police chief ACP George Abd Rakman said a quarrel broke out, leading to the assault by several unidentified individuals.

“The victim was assaulted by several unidentified individuals, resulting in bruises on his body,” he said in a statement.

Police have launched an investigation and identified several individuals believed to be involved.

One person has been arrested so far in connection with the attack.

The case is being investigated under Section 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing a public servant.

It is also being probed under Section 332 for voluntarily causing hurt to deter a public servant from duty, and Section 147 for rioting.

A video of the incident had earlier gone viral on social media platforms.

Meanwhile, MPS president Walter Kenson said the council would give its full cooperation to ensure justice.

“Their violent action against our enforcement officer at Batu 8, Sibuga Jaya, Sandakan, yesterday is unacceptable and we will not tolerate such actions,” he stated.

He reminded the public that selling contraband cigarettes is an offence warranting strict action.

Walter added that MPS would continue to work with other enforcement agencies to curb the illegal activity.

 The Sun Malaysia