Another Suspected Gang Member Fatally Shot in Police Operation in Jitra
Police have neutralised yet another suspected gang member believed to be part of an extensive criminal syndicate, following a deadly confrontation in Bandar Puteri Jaya, Sungai Petani. The 34-year-old suspect was shot dead during a shootout with law enforcement officers at approximately 7.50pm on Saturday evening, according to Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) acting director Datuk Fadil Marsus.
This incident occurred just a day after two other suspected criminals were killed during a separate shootout near the North-South Expressway exit at Bandar Darul Aman in Jitra. Authorities revealed that the deceased suspect had a lengthy criminal history, with more than 30 offences recorded, and was a key figure in a gang involved in a string of armed robberies and drug trafficking activities spanning several Malaysian states.
Fadil noted that the operation was a coordinated effort between Bukit Aman CID and multiple state contingents, aimed at dismantling a gang responsible for crimes dating back to 2022. “We identified an individual believed to be connected to a series of violent armed robberies. When our team moved in to arrest him, he resisted arrest, leading to a gunfight that resulted in his death,” he told reporters at the scene.
Suspect Linked to Armed Robberies Across Three States
During the operation, officers recovered a pistol and several other items believed to be used in criminal activities. Investigations suggest the suspect was directly involved in three recent armed robberies reported in Melaka, Negri Sembilan and Perak. The gang’s activities are estimated to have caused financial losses nearing RM6 million, highlighting the severity of the group’s operations.
Fadil explained that the gang comprises more than a dozen members, who are believed to have orchestrated a series of violent crimes, including armed robbery, gangsterism, and large-scale drug trafficking. He also stressed the police’s commitment to tackling such violent crimes head-on, especially cases involving firearms which pose a significant threat to public safety.
“These criminals have instilled fear across multiple communities. We will continue aggressive measures to apprehend anyone involved in gang violence and violent crimes,” Fadil asserted, adding that comprehensive intelligence efforts are underway to trace and capture the remaining members of the syndicate.
Case Investigated Under Attempted Murder Laws
The ongoing case has been classified under Section 307 of the Penal Code, which covers attempted murder charges in Malaysia. Authorities are intensifying efforts to dismantle the rest of the network, as investigations reveal deeper connections between the suspects and a larger network of organised crime.
The incident comes amid heightened concerns over gang-related violence in Malaysia, with police vowing to maintain robust action against criminal syndicates threatening community safety. Residents in affected areas have expressed relief at the police’s swift response, as recent armed robberies had left many fearing for their safety.
Law enforcement agencies are also appealing to the public for any information that could lead to the arrest of remaining gang members, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to help curb the spread of organised crime and armed robbery incidents across the country.
Image Source: NST