PEKAN, Malaysia: Four trainees were injured in a fight at a national service camp here, including one who needed two stitches on his head.

Thirteen of the trainees have been detained by police to assist in investigations. The four who were injured were also detained by the police later.

It it learnt that the incident occurred inside the camp's community hall at 8pm during a heavy downpour on Saturday.

There was a misunderstanding between two students, aged 17 and 18, resulting in the others joining in the brawl.

They attacked one another with chairs and their bare hands.

The situation was brought under control minutes later by the camp commandant and the injured were taken to the Pekan Hospital for treatment.

State CID chief Asst Comm T. Narenasagaran said police have classified the case as rioting under Section 148 of the Penal Code.

He said the trainees would be released after their statements were recorded.

Teruntum assemblyman Chang Hong Seong, who was alerted about the incident, assisted several parents to meet with the trainees.

Chang said all the trainees detained by the police were still being held at the district headquarters lock-up here for questioning.

He said some parents had complained that their children were handcuffed when being taken away by the police.

"I have contacted the police and they informed me that it was a normal procedure to use handcuffs for offences involving rioting," he said. -The Star/ANN