GEORGE TOWN: The two men killed in a shootout with police along Jalan Permatang Baru, Sungai Lokan in Butterworth early this morning, are believed to have been on their way to commit crime.
Police believe that they were either planning a robbery or trafficking drugs.
State police chief Datuk Hamzah Ahmad said a team from the Criminal Investigation Department, which was on duty, had stumbled upon a Perodua Myvi at the junction of Jalan Pokok Sena and Jalan Permatang Baru, Sungai Dua about 2.05am, raising suspicion.
"Police approached the car and ordered the driver to stop the vehicle. However, the driver sped off while firing several shots at the police.
"Police gave chase for about 2km before the Myvi skidded.
"When police tried to conduct checks, the suspect shot at them. Police then exchanged fire out of self- defence," he told a press conference at the state police contingent headquarters here today.
Hamzah said when the situation calmed down, the driver and front passenger, aged 41 and 51, were found dead from the shooting.
Hamzah said checks inside the car led to the recovery of two pistols, a Glock and SW .38, along with 176 bullets.
Police investigation revealed that the firearms were from a neighbouring country.
The car was also a stolen one, belonging to a man in Terengganu, with road tax that expired in 2021.
"Checks also showed that both men had criminal records for 12 and 13 previous offences, respectively.
"We are checking if they are members of any gang," he added.
The case is being investigated under Section 307 of the Penal Code and Section 8 of the Firearms Act 1960.