'Datuk' arrested at roadblock to be charged with car theft

NIBONG TEBAL: A 27-year-old man who claimed to be a "Datuk" and his 30-year-old accomplice will be charged with car theft among other offences after they were arrested at a roadblock in Jawi.

South Seberang Prai acting OCPD Deputy Supt Baeyah Abdul Wahab said the two suspects were arrested after police found an air pistol under the driver's car seat in the MPV during a roadblock on April 19.

"Further checks found several fake identity cards naming the 27-year-old man as a Datuk from Pahang.

"The MPV they were travelling in was reported stolen in Bukit Tengah in February.

"Checks on the suspect's home found identification documents of the vehicle's original owner.

"Police believe they are linked to a car theft syndicate operating throughout the country," she said during a press conference at the South Seberang Prai police district headquarters in Jawi on Thursday (April 30).

The men will be charged under Section 8(a) of the Weapons Act 1960, Section 29(1) of the Minor Offences Act 1955, Section 108(3)(f) of the Road Transport Act 1987, Section 3(1) and Section 3(2) of Act 787 for using and displaying a Pahang title without permission.

They will also be charged under Rule 11(1) of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act (Measures within the Infected Local Areas) Regulations 2020 for breaching the movement control order (MCO).