KLUANG: An Indonesian man was shot dead after attacking a police team in Kampung Palembang near here on Thursday (May 22).
Johor Police chief Comm Datuk M. Kumar said the Johor Police Contingent Criminal Investigation Department team spotted suspicious movements by the suspect during the crime prevention control in the area at 3.45am.
He said the suspect who was riding a motorcycle without registration plate numbers was ordered to stop but refused, instead the suspect sped off.
“Our team managed to intercept him at the unpaved road leading towards the palm oil plantation,’’ Comm Kumar said in a statement.
He said while approaching the suspect for inspection, the suspect suddenly attacked one of the policemen by swinging a machete towards the policeman.
“The machete hit the sleeves of the policeman and the suspect refused to surrender despite being ordered by the team and continued to attack them aggressively,’’ said Comm Kumar.
He said this prompted the police to shoot the suspect in self-defense and public safety.
Comm Kumar said the victim was confirmed to have died at the scene, adding that his identity was unknown as no valid documents were found from him.
He said police also seized the machete, RM1,900 cash, two mobile phones and a motorcycle which will be used for further investigation purposes.
“Initial investigation found that one of the mobile phones belonged to a robbery victim in Kluang while the motorcycle was reported missing in Kulai,’’ said Comm Kumar.
He said a check revealed the suspect was believed to have been involved in robbery since 2024 and with his death, police have solved one case in Kota Tinggi and five cases in Kluang.
The case is being investigated under Section 307 of the Penal Code and the victim’s death was classified as a sudden death report (SDR).
“The investigation is ongoing to identify and detect other accomplices and the public is advised to refrain from making speculations and manipulating the facts which could interfere with the investigation process,’’ said Comm Kumar.
Those with information on the case can call the Kluang Police Contingent Hotline at 07-7766822 or contact the investigating officer ASP Ahmad Nazri Yahya@Yaakob at 017-7521151.
