Inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar has assured that there were no riots following the brawl at Low Yat Plaza yesterday.

"I assure that the situation is calm and under control. There are no fights or riots. Don't believe rumours. Police are in control.

"The police have arrested some of those involved in the brawl last night and we are identifying the rest. Let us do our jobs.

"The police will take action against both parties involved in the brawl. This has nothing to do with race, but two groups who were fighting," said Khalid in a series of three tweets.

Khalid's series of tweets were made following the conclusion of a gathering by about 200 people, purportedly representing Malay NGOs, at Low Yat Plaza this evening.

It is understood that the gathering was a response to the brawl and "one-sided" investigations, as claimed by the group.

Online debates getting ugly

According to the police, the Saturday evening brawl saw a group of seven youths attacking mall staff who apprehended their friend for theft.

Other mall staff retaliated by attacking the group of seven individuals.

Details are sketchy, but at the time of writing, four people have been arrested in connection to the brawl.

After videos of the brawl made its way to the internet, online debates on this matter has been highly polarised because the mall staff are mostly Chinese while the seven youths were all Malays.

Some claim that the Malays were taking revenge on behalf of their friend who was cheated.

However, the police have confirmed that there was an element of theft involved.