Peter John Jaban said a recording of the incident, which had gone viral on social media in the last few days, showed it also involved the auxiliary police.

In a statement today, he said one of the attackers was armed with a stick, and the Malaysian victim, who was alone, had not made any attempt to retaliate as he was kicked and punched.

He said the auxiliary policemen stood aside for several minutes before intervening to allow the victim to leave.

“What are these men (the attackers) doing in rural Sarawak and their connection with the local plantation company?

“They are not locals but wearing what appeared to be a security uniform. Hence, I urge police, the Immigration Department, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the Sarawak government to investigate.”

Miri police chief Hakemal Hawari confirmed that the incident happened at an oil palm plantation at about 2.30pm on Feb 7, and that the 22-year-old victim had lodged a police report.

Peter, a Malaysian Corruption Watch member, said violence involving plantation security personnel against local communities was common in Sarawak at one time, but the number of incidents had died down in recent years.

He said the authorities should investigate if such incidents were re-emerging.

He also said auxiliary police personnel employed by private companies but authorised to display police emblems had been causing confusion among the rural communities.

“Following the incident in Niah, how are the villagers going to trust the police?” he asked.