THREE men believed to be members of a vehicle theft syndicate were shot dead by police in an early morning shootout at a homestay in Taman Sejahtera, Sik, Kedah, on May 1.
The 2.30am raid was carried out by officers from Bukit Aman’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID), assisted by state CIDs from Kedah and Melaka, following intelligence from the D4 Special Branch unit linking the group to more than 70 vehicle theft cases since 2023.
The local suspects, aged between 35 and 37, were hiding at the premises when they opened fire on police, prompting return fire in self-defence.
Bukit Aman CID Director, Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain, said two of the suspects were killed in the master bedroom after firing at officers, while the third attacked police with a machete upon exiting a back room.
"One police officer was injured after being slashed on the bulletproof vest, prompting decisive action to neutralise the threat," he said during a press conference at the Kedah Police Contingent Headquarters today.
A background check revealed the 36-year-old suspect had 54 prior criminal and drug-related records, while the 37-year-old had 51 similar offences. The third suspect, aged 35, had two criminal records and five drug-related cases.
Police confirmed that the Honda CR-V used by the suspects had been reported stolen in Petaling Jaya on April 26.
Officers also recovered 26 sets of fake number plates, seven Touch ‘n Go cards, two tire removal tools, and various equipment believed to be used in vehicle thefts.
Authorities suspect the syndicate was involved in at least 73 thefts of four-wheel-drive vehicles since last year, including 18 cases reported in Melaka between January and April 2025. The group is also believed to have operated in Selangor, Pahang, and Perak.
Police have launched investigations under Section 307 of the Penal Code for attempted murder and Section 3 of the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act for discharging a firearm while committing a scheduled offence. - May 6, 2025
