An 80-year-old man was seriously injured after his neighbour allegedly attacked him with a steel rod during a dispute in Jalan Perak, George Town, on Sunday morning.
George Town district police chief Assistant Commissioner Abdul Rozak Muhammad said police received information about the incident at about 9.55am, with preliminary investigations indicating the assault occurred around 9.30am outside the victim’s house.
“The victim, an 80-year-old local man, was allegedly assaulted by his 62-year-old neighbour, who used a steel rod,” The Star quoted him as saying.
The victim suffered serious injuries to his hands and legs and was taken to Penang Hospital for treatment. Police arrested the suspect at his house and seized a steel rod believed to have been used in the assault.
The incident is believed to have stemmed from a misunderstanding between the two men, according to Malay Mail. Officers arrived at the scene within 25 minutes of receiving the report and secured the area before making the arrest.
Section 326 of the Penal Code covers voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means. Under the provision, offenders face imprisonment of up to 20 years, a fine, or both upon conviction. Grievous hurt, as defined under Section 320 of the Penal Code, includes emasculation, permanent privation of sight or hearing, fracture or dislocation of bone, and any hurt that endangers life or causes severe physical pain.
The case is being investigated under Section 326. The suspect is expected to be remanded on Monday for further questioning. Under Malaysian law, police may apply for a remand order of up to seven days to complete investigations before deciding on charges. Police have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges depending on the outcome of investigations and the victim’s medical report.
The incident earlier went viral on social media, drawing widespread public attention. Jalan Perak is one of the longest roads in George Town, running through working-class neighbourhoods and some of the oldest Malay settlements in Penang along the banks of Sungai Pinang. The area is densely populated with terrace houses and apartment blocks.
