KL flare stunt for clothing store lands nine in court after Bukit Bintang chaos goes viral

KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 — Nine people are expected to be charged in court today after a viral publicity stunt involving flares and reckless driving in Bukit Bintang sparked outrage online, according to New Straits Times.

Police said another six individuals detained in connection with the case will be released and turned into prosecution witnesses.

The suspects were among a group of 15 people — 14 men and one woman aged between 17 and 30 — arrested less than 24 hours after videos of the incident began circulating on social media.

Authorities said the arrests were made between noon and 10pm in Batu Caves, Shah Alam, Kajang and Dengkil following public tip-offs.

Investigators found the group included the 24-year-old owner of a clothing store, several employees and individuals allegedly hired to take part in the stunt. Eight participants were reportedly paid between RM50 and RM700.

Police believe the act was staged to promote the business in conjunction with the clothing outlet’s sixth anniversary campaign in Dengkil.

The group had drawn attention after videos showed individuals igniting flares while riding in the back of a pickup truck along Jalan Sultan Ismail near a fast-food outlet in Bukit Bintang early Sunday morning.

Police also seized a pickup truck, two electric scrambler motorcycles and clothing believed to have been worn during the stunt.

The case is being investigated under Section 290 of the Penal Code for public nuisance, Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act for indecent behaviour, Section 6 of the Explosives Act 1957, Section 42 of the Road Transport Act for reckless and dangerous driving, as well as Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act.