A SENIOR member of a violent criminal syndicate with over 41 prior offences was shot dead alongside an accomplice in a dramatic shootout with police near the Bandar Darul Aman exit of the North-South Expressway this morning.
The incident unfolded at approximately 8.05am, when a suspicious four-wheel drive vehicle carrying two local men was intercepted by officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (JSJ) during a targeted operation. The suspects refused to cooperate, prompting police to block the vehicle and sparking a deadly exchange of gunfire.
"Both suspects were found lifeless in their vehicle at the scene," said Kedah Police Chief Datuk Fisol Salleh. “A search uncovered two handguns—a revolver and a semi-automatic pistol—as well as a quantity of ammunition, three spent casings, a machete, a utility cutter, face masks and gloves.”
The rear of the suspects' vehicle was severely damaged, and visible bullet holes were found in its rear window—evidence of the intensity of the shootout. The second suspect has yet to be identified as no identification documents were found on his person.
Datuk Fisol said the deceased 41-year-old suspect was believed to be a high-ranking figure in a gang responsible for a range of violent and drug-related crimes, including robbery, extortion, break-ins, and drug distribution, across several states.
Also present at the scene was Acting Director of the Criminal Investigation Department, Datuk Fadil Marsus, who revealed that the gang is suspected to have been active since 2019 and comprised nearly 30 members.
"This group is believed to be involved in gangsterism, drug trafficking and turf wars, and armed robberies using firearms and sharp weapons, often employing violence against victims,” said Fadil.
When asked whether the gang had links to recent shootings in other regions, Fadil said investigations were ongoing but noted a possible connection to drug-related criminal groups operating in the Klang Valley.
“We are still investigating, but there is a possibility of ties to syndicates involved in similar activities,” he said. “The police will continue to tackle violent crime with increasingly aggressive operations moving forward.” - July 5, 2025
