Malaysia cops waiting for full medical report on balloon seller’s injuries

KUALA LUMPUR - The police in Malaysia are awaiting the full medical report on the injuries suffered by balloon seller Muhamad Za’imuddin Azlan after an altercation with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) enforcement officers.

Kuala Lumpur police chief Rusdi Mohd Isa stated that initial medical findings revealed a fracture and soft-tissue injuries.

“However, we are still waiting for the full medical report. The main focus of our investigation is his injuries and how he got injured,” he said at a press conference during the KL Narcotics Crime Investigation Department chief handover ceremony on April 7.

The police have received four reports lodged by DBKL, Mr Za’imuddin and his mother, he added.

“We opened two investigation papers based on the reports lodged by DBKL and both have been referred to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC).

“We also opened another investigation paper based on the reports lodged by Muhamad Za’imuddin and his mother. We are still investigating further,” he said.

The police have recorded statements from more than 12 individuals, including nine DBKL officers, Mr Za’imuddin, his mother and a man who supplied balloons to him.

Datuk Rusdi said the police are also investigating Mr Za’imuddin’s claim that the DBKL officers did not identify themselves before the incident.

“The DBKL officers were in plain clothing during the incident, which is permitted under DBKL standard operating procedures,” he added.

Mr Za’imuddin lodged a police report over the injuries he sustained in March during the altercation with DBKL officers.

“I was only earning a living for myself and my family,” he said tearfully during a press conference on April 6, accompanied by his mother Hasnah Mat Isa.

His lawyer Rafique Rashid said they are considering legal action once the full medical report is obtained.

“Currently, we have a discharge note from Serdang Hospital confirming medical issues related to the incident,” he said, noting that the medical report could take a month.

Mr Rafique also questioned claims that Mr Za’imuddin had a previous criminal record.

Earlier, it was reported that two of the three investigation papers over the

altercation between the balloon vendor and DBKL officers

have been referred to the AGC.

DBKL enforcement officers lodged two police reports and Mr Za’imuddin’s mother lodged another.

A video that went viral shows a confrontation between Mr Za’imuddin and a group of DBKL officers in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, which led to him being tackled to the ground. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK