GEORGE TOWN, Sept 9 — Three men including two Penang voluntary patrol unit (PPS) members were charged today over the scuffle that triggered a police crackdown on the outfit.

The three, Lee Chan Kwong, 35, Lee Yew Kuen, 66, and Ong Eu Soon, 51, claimed trial to the charge of committing affray under Section 160 of the Penal Code at a magistrate's court here today.

They allegedly committed the offence at about 10.45am on August 17 in front of a market at Farlim.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Razali Che Ani applied for a RM2,000 bail for all three while RSN Rayer, who represented the two Lees, asked for a lower bail.

“They were both part time workers and have family to care for,” Rayer said in asking for a lower bail sum.

Magistrate L. Uma Devi allowed them bail at RM1,200 in one surety each and fixed October 31 for mention of the case.

Ong, who was not represented, was told to appoint a lawyer within a month.

The trio were charged under Section 160 of the Penal Code for committing affray, which carries a jail sentence of one month or fine of up to RM200 or both.

The two Lees posted bail immediately.

This case was the incident that had sparked the controversy surrounding PPS with calls for the voluntary unit to be disbanded.

This later led to a police crackdown on PPS and the arrest of 156 PPS members during the Merdeka parade.