Story By: Michael Leidig, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Asia Wire Report

AsiaWire

Malaysia officials say a video which shows a man having his head violently stamped on during fighting at a local temple did not cause his death.

The footage went viral after showing an altercation involving a crowd of men in a temple in the town of Sungai Petani in the Malaysian state of Kedah.

It was posted on Twitter by a user who said it took place at the temple on 10th February, with follow-up reports claiming that the person being attacked had been stabbed to death.

It is unclear what the violence was about but it reportedly took place during the festival celebrated by the Tamil community of Thaipusam which is also a national holiday in the country.

It seems to be several people against the one man who is the eventual victim, who fell to the ground near a stair and then has his head stamped on several times by various attackers.

The local district police chief Adzli Abu Shah said that as well as investigating the incident they were looking into people who had spread fake rumours that the man had died.

He confirmed that the incident had taken place, but said it had not been fatal despite the fact that it appeared so violent. This was also backed up by second video apparently showing the victim being examined by medics.

The police chief described the allegations as “fake news” and said officers had been in touch with the victim sounded “alright” and been able to speak coherently over the phone.

Local media meanwhile urged police to also capture the attackers ensure they are punished for the violent attack.

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