The court also fined two 19-year-old teenagers RM2,000 each for the same offence.

The 34, aged between 19 and 57, were accused of being in possession of various weapons, including firearms, ammunition, explosive and flammable substances, and sticks and stones, which could be used to carry out attacks, in the incident at about 7.30pm.

The charge was framed under Section 148 of the Penal Code for rioting, which carries a penalty of up to five years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both, upon conviction.

Deputy public prosecutor Nor Farhana Poad urged the court to impose a commensurate sentence, noting that the group’s actions had caused fear among the public.

Defence lawyer Arifin Wahab pleaded for leniency, saying all the accused were first-time offenders and had cooperated with the authorities, saving time and costs.

Earlier reports said the incident stemmed from a spat between the owner and his competitors.