KUCHING: A local businessman and Padawan Municipal Councillor Aaron Tay said, so far there has been no information yet from public after he put up an offer of RM5,000 reward to anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest of a suspect believed to be mimicking earlier stone-throwing incidents along Jalan Batu Kawa.
Speaking to Utusan Sarawak, Tay said members of the public are increasingly anxious, with some afraid to leave their homes for fear their vehicles may be targeted. His remarks came after a female driver was injured on Saturday night when a rock was thrown at her car.
Tay stressed that such acts must not be tolerated and urged the public to cooperate with the police. He assured that anyone with useful information can report it to the authorities and he will personally offer a reward in appreciation.
Padawan police are currently investigating the case, suspecting a copycat is behind the recent attack.
When contacted, Padawan District Police Chief Supt Mohd Irwan Hafiz Md Radzi confirmed that investigations are ongoing and appealed to the public to assist by providing any relevant information.
The latest incident occurred at around 7.30 pm on Saturday when a rock struck a moving vehicle. The projectile shattered the windscreen and caused minor injuries to the driver’s arm and mouth.
Supt Irwan noted that the original suspect remains under observation at Sentosa Hospital, and that current evidence suggests the new attacks may be the work of a copycat.
Separately, police arrested a 68-year-old local man on Monday evening in connection with the ongoing stone-throwing incidents. He was apprehended by the Padawan District Police Task Force (Lejang Team) at approximately 7.15 pm near Jalan Batu Kawa. Several stones believed to have been used in the attacks were confiscated during the arrest.
To date, police have received 10 reports related to the stone-throwing cases, which are being investigated under Section 427 of the Penal Code for committing mischief that causes damage.
By Connie Chieng