Italian cyclist targeted by stone-throwing teens while camping in Sabah

RANAU, Oct 16 — Police have launched an investigation into a viral video showing a group of teenagers allegedly throwing stones at an Italian cyclist who was camping at Kampung Lohan while on a solo cycling expedition around Sabah.

Ranau District Police Chief Supt Mursalin Mahmud said a special team had been formed to investigate the incident after the video attracted public attention.

The cyclist, Nicola Chiacchio, had stopped at the Kampung Lohan field during his journey around Sabah using a bicycle.

While resting at the field, he was approached by local residents who offered him food and water, while children also took the opportunity to meet and greet the traveller.

However, while he was preparing to sleep on the night of Oct 8, a group of teenagers allegedly threw stones towards him, apparently in an attempt to frighten him.

Chiacchio subsequently uploaded a video of the incident on social media, prompting concern among members of the Ranau community and criticism of the teenagers’ actions.

The video was later removed on Oct 9 after the Italian traveller said he did not want the matter to become more serious.

He reportedly said his intention in uploading the video initially was to raise awareness and remind those involved, particularly parents, about the consequences of such behaviour.

Police investigations included interviewing the traveller, visiting the location where the incident occurred and speaking to several individuals connected to the incident.

Senior police officers also met the person who had allowed Chiacchio to put up his tent at the Kampung Lohan field.

Police later managed to trace Chiacchio to Cinta Mata Camp in Pitas, where officers and personnel were deployed to conduct further investigations.

Mursalin said Chiacchio had travelled through several districts during his solo cycling expedition, with Ranau being one of his stops before he continued towards Kota Marudu and subsequently Pitas.

The traveller did not lodge a police report over the incident, as he believed the teenagers had merely intended to scare him and had no intention of causing injury.

He also indicated that some of the youths had reportedly apologised to him through social media.

Mursalin nevertheless stressed that police viewed the incident seriously and advised members of the public, particularly young people, to think carefully about the consequences of their actions.

He thanked Ranau residents for their concern and continued cooperation in providing information to police to safeguard peace and security in the district.

He also praised the local community for its hospitality and for generally showing care and appreciation towards visitors and tourists who stop in Ranau.

The incident has highlighted the importance of maintaining Sabah’s reputation for hospitality and tolerance, particularly as the State welcomes visitors from different countries.

Chiacchio’s journey has taken him through various parts of Sabah, with his decision to travel around the State entirely by bicycle attracting interest from local communities along the way. — Daily Express