Two foreign criminals killed in shootout with police

MELAKA: Police yesterday shot dead two criminals, believed to be foreigners, after one of them fired shots at policemen in an operation dubbed ‘Operasi Tebuk’ outside a supermarket in Bandar Baru Sungai Udang here early yesterday.

Melaka police chief Datuk Abdul Jalil Hassan said in the 4.30am incident, police had shot the men, in their 30s, in self- defence after the suspects had broken into and robbed a goldsmith shop at the supermarket.

He said prior to the shooting, members of the public had alerted the police on the sighting of a Honda City car, without its registration numbers at the back, circling around a residential area near the supermarket.

“Police then went to the scene. Initially, they did not find the suspects but only found the car. As they checked the area further, the policemen detected several suspects who attempted to flee the scene into some bushes near the supermarket and were carrying valuable items,” he told a press conference here today.

Subsequently, Abdul Jalil said police gave a chase on foot before they cornered off three suspects.

He said one of the suspects, who had a revolver with him, fired two shots while another accomplice lashed out at the policemen using a machete, which prompted the police to shoot at them.

“In the incident, one of them is believed to have escaped... the search for the suspect is still ongoing. We also believe that they have other accomplices who are still at large,” Abdul Jalil said.

He said based on preliminary checks on the bodies, the two suspects were wearing ski masks and there were no identification documents. Based on their physical characteristics, they were believed to be foreigners, Abdul Jalil said.

He said police found two empty bullet shells at the scene, while the car used in the incident was reportedly stolen during a house break-in case in Johor Jaya, Johor in 2016.

Abdul Jalil said the suspects were believed to have been involved in 14 break-in and robbery cases including factories and supermarkets in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan; Gebeng, Pahang; Teluk Intan, Perak; Chukai, Terengganu; as well as Melaka Tengah and Alor Gajah, since last year.

He said they had targeted premises selling valuable items such as gold and pawn shops in supermarkets, and would breakin after midnight before tying up the security guards on duty.

“Their modus operandi is breaking into the supermarket or business premises before drilling holes on safe deposit boxes,” Abdul Jalil added.

Meanwhile, Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron reminded all foreigners in the state to adhere to the rules and laws of this country and not to do things that could jeopardise Malaysia’s security and harmony.

“This is a stern warning to any party who wants to put a test to the sovereignty of our country ... do not ever try that as Malaysia is a peaceful and prosperous nation. — Bernama