TANJUNG MALIM: Police shot dead two suspected criminals believed to be involved in more than 20 cases of gang robbery and housebreaking in the Muallim district since early last year.
Acting Perak police chief Deputy Commissioner Zulkafli Sariaat said the incident unfolded when a police team was conducting a crime prevention patrol under Op Casa Muallim in the area at 5.20am today.
He said during the patrol in Jalan Proton City heading towards Tanjung Malim town, the team spotted a suspicious vehicle and attempted to stop it for inspection, but the suspects refused and sped away.
"The police gave chase, which caused the suspects' vehicle to skid off the road. The first suspect then fired a single shot from inside the car, hitting the police vehicle in front.
"The suspect exited the vehicle and fired another shot, which struck the police vehicle's lights," he said during a press conference at the Muallim district police headquarters here today.
He added that the second suspect, who was a passenger, also exited the vehicle holding a parang and attacked a policeman positioned behind the suspect's vehicle.
"The police acted in self-defense, firing two shots at the first suspect and one at the second suspect. Both suspects were pronounced dead at the scene," Zulkafli said.
He said the first suspect was identified as a 29-year-old man with a history of criminal activities, including 20 prior records related to robbery and drug offenses.
"Meanwhile, the second suspect, aged 37, also had a criminal record involving various offences.
"During the investigation at the scene, police recovered and seized a Sig Sauer pistol, a magazine containing nine rounds (including one in the chamber), two parang, one face mask, and two pairs of gloves.
"Police also found a fake vehicle registration number in the car trunk, six bullet casings of 9mm caliber, and a metal cutter," he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 307 of the Penal Code for attempted murder, Section 8 of the Firearms Act (Increased Penalties) 1971 and Section 8 of the Arms Act 1960.
Zulkafli said that police have managed to solve 20 cases of group robbery and 10 cases of housebreaking in Tanjung Malim, with ongoing efforts to trace other accomplices still at large.
"The suspects targeted victims in isolated residential areas. Many victims were scared to report the robberies because the suspects frequently used threatening phrases during their crimes.
"For instance, 'Call the police, arrest me if you want. I'm not afraid. They can't do anything' and 'Don't report to the police. If you do, we'll come and find you at your workplace.'
"We take these threats very seriously as they instill fear. We urge the public not to be afraid.
"The police will pursue these criminals and take appropriate action, including against their accomplices who remain at large," he said.
To the criminals, Zulkafli also warned them not to resist or threaten the safety of the police.
"We are issuing this statement because it seems these robbers are attempting to challenge the police and intimidate the public.
"Secondly, do not commit crimes. We will track and apprehend you because today's technology enables us to locate and capture offenders efficiently."
"Thirdly, for those who have already committed crimes, surrender yourselves to the police before we have to arrest you.
"Lastly, find a lawful job and stop engaging in these criminal acts," he said adding that police are deeply concerned about the fear felt by the public and will not tolerate actions that endanger the community.
Zulkafli also urged the public to continue providing information regarding criminal activities to enhance crime prevention measures and ensure the state remains safe.