Perak Police Chief Comm Datuk Azizi Mat Aris (2nd right) showing the machete of the suspect..(14th October 2024)--RONNIE CHIN/THE STAR
IPOH: One of the masterminds of an armed robbery gang that targeted gold wholesalers was shot dead in Jalan Slim Lama, Tanjung Malim.
Perak police chief Comm Datuk Azizi Mat Aris said the 43-year-old suspect from Klang was killed during a shootout with the police at about 3.10am yesterday.
“The suspect was a very dangerous criminal who has been carrying out robberies with other gang members,” he told a press conference at the state police contingent headquarters here yesterday.
Comm Azizi said policemen on patrol came across a car being driven at high speed.
“When they instructed the driver to stop, he refused.
“Instead, he fired several gunshots at the policemen, forcing them to return fire.
“The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics,” he added.
Comm Azizi said the suspect had 11 prior criminal records for various offences and was the mastermind of a gang involved in gold wholesaler robberies.
He added the gang was involved in at least 25 robberies in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, Johor, Negri Sembilan and Perak since 2018, with losses amounting to RM34.2mil.
“The latest robbery committed by the gang occurred in Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur, on Aug 27, involving a loss of 4.5kg in gold valued at RM1.48mil,” he said.
Police are tracking down the other members of the gang.
Comm Azizi said the car used by the suspect was reported stolen and the registration number plate was found to be false.
“Policemen found a gun, a magazine, bullets and two machetes inside the car,” he added.
