robbers with samurai swords preying on Kedah folk

ALOR SETAR: State police are on the hunt for a gang of samurai sword-wielding robbers who have been active in two districts.

The gang of four to five men in their 20s has been active in residential areas in Kota Setar and Pendang, said Kedah police chief Commissioner Datuk Zamri Yahya.

The gang roams residential areas on motorcycles in the morning searching for victims.

“They target women who are alone in front of their houses or in the compound of their houses. They strike fear in their victims by brandishing the samurai swords, even holding the weapon against the victim’s neck while demanding that they hand over valuables and money.”

He said Kota Setar and Pendang police have received three and two reports respectively.

“We believe the same gang committed all the cases,” said Comm Zamri, adding that no victim was injured.

Police believe the gang members are from Penang.

“We have sought help from our counterparts in Penang,” he said.

During his tour of the Kota Setar district police headquarters, he handed over an appreciation letter from Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar to the police district for emerging as the “First Excellent District”.

It was for exemplary performance among the districts during Ops Selamat 9/2016 held in conjunction with the Hari Raya season.

Kota Setar district police also presented Comm Zamri a cake to celebrate his 54th birthday on Tuesday.

On Langkawi MP Datuk Nawawi Ahmad’s statement on “MO1”, Comm Zamri said the investigation papers would be handed to Bukit Aman’s special investigation unit for action.