Injured GOF cop in stable condition after undergoing op

GEORGE TOWN: The General Operation Force (GOF) policeman who was critically injured during the shootout with a group of smugglers at the Malaysian-Thai border in Perlis on Tuesday (Nov 24), is in stable condition after undergoing an operation on Thursday (Nov 26).

Penang police chief Comm Datuk Sahabudin Abd Manan (pic) said Sjn Norihan Tari, 39, has regained consciousness and is responding well.

"Although he is still weak, he showed positive signs by responding to me when I visited him at the intensive care unit (ICU) ward," he said when contacted.

On Thursday (Nov 26), Sjn Norihan successfully underwent surgery to remove two out of three bullets from his stomach.

However, another bullet near his lung is still there and requires another operation.

Comm Sahabudin said the operation would depend on the condition of Sjn Norihan.

"Specialist doctors will monitor his condition first before performing another operation," he said.

On Wednesday (Nov 25), Sjn Norihan was transferred to Penang Hospital from Hospital Tuanku Fauziah to receive further treatment.

Sjn Norihan and Sjn Baharuddin Ramli, 59, were carrying out intelligence work in the early hours of Tuesday when two groups of at least 13 smugglers set upon them and opened fire.

Sjn Baharuddin was killed while Sjn Norihan was badly injured.