Chinese nationals caught after attempting to ram police roadblock in suspected burglary spree

FOUR Chinese men suspected of involvement in a housebreaking syndicate have been arrested after a high-speed attempt to flee police culminated in an effort to force their way through a police roadblock in Kampung Wai, Kuala Perlis.

The arrests, carried out at approximately 4.30pm yesterday, also led to the discovery of burglary equipment and disguise materials, including wigs believed to have been used to conceal identities during criminal activities.

Kangar District Police Chief Yusharifuddin Mohd Yusop said officers were initially alerted by members of the public regarding a suspicious Toyota Innova spotted in Taman Sentosa, Kuala Perlis.

According to him, a police team approached the vehicle after arriving at the location and identified themselves while displaying their authority cards.

“However, the vehicle suddenly accelerated at high speed in an attempt to escape, but it was successfully pursued by the police.

“The suspects then attempted to ram through a roadblock in Kampung Wai, but the vehicle was eventually stopped with the assistance of officers stationed along the route,” he said in a statement.

Yusharifuddin said the suspects refused to cooperate when ordered to open the vehicle doors after being intercepted.

“The suspects suddenly reversed the vehicle and nearly struck police personnel, forcing the team to smash the rear windscreen and front passenger window in order to gain entry.

“All the suspects attempted to flee, leading to a struggle during the arrest, but they were eventually subdued and taken to Kuala Perlis Police Station,” he said.

A search of the vehicle uncovered a range of items believed to have been used in housebreaking operations.

Among the items seized were four metal rods, an adjustable spanner, cutting equipment, screwdrivers and a modified T-shaped device believed to function as a master key.

Police also confiscated two wigs, four face masks, gloves, two sets of walkie-talkies, torches, mobile phones, cash, passports and the Toyota Innova, which investigators later confirmed had been rented in Kuala Lumpur.

Initial investigations revealed that the suspects, aged between 45 and 52, had entered Malaysia through Kuala Lumpur International Airport on 5 May as tourists and were not employed in the country.

Checks further showed that none of the men had previous criminal records, while preliminary urine screening tests returned negative results.

All four suspects have been remanded for five days beginning today to assist investigations under Section 457 of the Penal Code relating to housebreaking offences. - May 14, 2026